Quinnipiac University Makes Donation to The Diaper Bank of CT

Caption: Quinnipiac University recently donated over 1,000 diapers and $2,000 to The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. The university’s diaper drive was coordinated by eight honors students with the support of Anne Eisbach, professor and chair of psychology, and Clorinda Vélez, associate professor of psychology. Pictured, from left, are Quinnipiac students Sage McClure, Elise Maiorano, Alison Pan, Gabrielle Woodward and Bobbi Dynice, Prof. Eisbach, Prof. Velez and students Dorothy Watters, Justin Ellis and Francesca Link.

HAMDEN, CT– Quinnipiac University has donated over 1,000 diapers and $2,000 to The Diaper Bank of Connecticut.

Quinnipiac faculty and students also volunteered at The Diaper Bank chapter in North Haven sorting, counting and repackaging diapers and invited executive director Janet Stolfi Alfano and others to speak to classes.

The university’s diaper drive was coordinated by eight honors students with the support of Anne Eisbach, professor and chair of psychology, and Clorinda Vélez, associate professor of psychology.
“The drive was run as part of an honors signature experience on maternal-child health in under-resourced families, with a special focus on diaper need,” Vélez said. “This was a great opportunity for students to understand the barriers under-resourced families face, learn about local programs supporting these families and give back to the community in a concrete way.”

The diaper drive ran from Nov. 7-22, with drop-off boxes on the Mount Carmel Campus. There also was an online drive from Oct. 25-Dec. 6.

Founded in 2004, The Diaper Bank of Connecticut centralizes the fundraising and distribution of free diapers to poor families in Connecticut through existing service providers, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, daycare centers, social service agencies and shelters.

“Diaper need is a significant issue in Connecticut, with an estimated 50,000 children in need,” Vélez said. “The diaper drive raised awareness of diaper need. Many people aren’t aware of the level of need many families face, nor the fact that programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) do not cover diapers for low-income families.

“In addition, the diaper drive gave our students the opportunity to turn their classroom-based learning into community action and use their skills and knowledge to support local organizations and families,” she added.

The Diaper Bank of Connecticut has to date distributed more than 20 million free diapers to poor and low-income families through its extensive Diaper Distribution Network of more than 60 agencies in New Haven, Hartford, Fairfield, Middlesex and Windham Counties. Modeled on successful regional food banks, TDB of CT collects diapers and cash donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other sources for the bulk purchase and distribution of diapers, which are then distributed through the DDN.

“The Quinnipiac students have demonstrated such a high level of commitment to understanding the real world impact of their studies,” said Janet Stolfi Alfano, executive director of The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. “We are so fortunate to have such wonderful young leaders who both helped spread the word about the issue of diaper need and helped us collect diapers and resources in order to meet more of the needs that exist in our state.”

The Diaper Bank of Connecticut has approximately 40 regular volunteers who assist with diaper sorting, repacking and delivery.