Project Undercover Provides 90k Diapers To RI Families In Need

NEWPORT, RI — Approximately 90,000 diapers have been given to Rhode Island families in need, thanks to donations from Project Undercover. The organization is working with nonprofits in Cranston, East Providence, South Kingstown, Newport, Providence and Woonsocket to supply 75 percent of impoverished children who need diapers in the state.

"No one could have foreseen how dramatically demand for our help would increase due to the crisis," Richard Fleischer, the president of Project Undercover's board of directors, said in a statement. "It far exceeds what we budgeted for at the beginning of the year. We have also gotten numerous phone calls at our agency from both individuals as well as agencies that we don't usually work with. This grant gives us the resources to respond quickly, with more flexibility."

The organization received a grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund, created by the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 have been awarded to charitable organizations across the state, including the East Bay Food Pantry in Bristol, AccessPoint RI in Cranston, Aldersbridge Communities in East Providence, Newport Hospital and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley in Woonsocket.

"The need for assistance has been surging all over Rhode Island and as Rhode Island’s community foundation we are trying to build this fund to support those in need," said Neil Steinberg, the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. "The combination of the health impact and economic impact has brought us to the point now where it will take more resources to continue to provide help to people across the state."

The funds help Rhode Islanders by providing financial assistance where it is needed most, from buying diapers for Project Undercover to helping those hit the hardest by the crisis afford food, housing and other essentials.

"When we first launched this fund in March, we asked the nonprofit community what they needed most, and they answered: cash assistance, medical equipment and food. Eight weeks later, we are receiving even more urgent requests," said Cortney Nicolato, the president and CEO of United Way Rhode Island. "While we are seeing some positive signs in Rhode Island, and we appreciate every single donor who has stepped up to date, we have a long way to go to recovery. Continued support of the COVID-19 Response Fund is as critical today as ever."

Donations can be made to the fund at the Rhode Island Foundation's or United Way's websites.