Social4Good Hosts Successful Event to Support Fairfax Diapers

Vienna, Virginia - On September 25th, Social4Good members collected, sorted and delivered over 17,000 diapers to Fairfax Diapers for Fairfax County families.

Launched in August 2019, Social4Good identified local philanthropic opportunities where members work together to provide in-kind and volunteer support directly to Northern Virginia non-profits. Recognizing that one-third of families with young children list diaper insecurity as a constant source of stress, Social4Good prioritized a diaper drive for the organization’s second event. Setting an initial goal of 10,000 diapers to provide one month supply, Social4Good members surpassed the goal and collected 17,000 diapers. “For parents with small children, diapers are a basic necessity. Learning that so many local families are facing diaper insecurity was a call to action for our members.” says Faith Boettger, Social4Good’s founder.

Fairfax Diaper founder Christine Kenny spoke to Social4Good members about diaper insecurity in Fairfax County and provided background on the organization. “This diaper drive organized by the amazing women of Social4Good truly embodies the vision I had when starting Fairfax Diapers. My number one goal was to be able to provide diapers to families in need at a place where they were already receiving assistance. My second goal was to raise awareness of this need in Fairfax County and get members of our community involved in helping to end diaper insecurity. This group of women has far exceeded any expectations I had and I am truly honored to know them!”

• Babies left in soiled diapers are at risk for rashes and infections.
• Babies left in soiled diapers risk abuse from caregivers due to increased crying.
• Parents who work are required to bring enough diapers for their child to daycare each day, even in many of the subsidized childcare programs. This requirement causes missed workdays due to insufficient diaper supply.
• Disposable diapers can cost $70-$80 per month per baby.
• Without transportation, buying diapers at a convenience store rather than a large "big box" store can significantly increase the monthly cost of diapers.
• Research cited by the American Academy of American Pediatrics shows a strong correlation between diaper need and maternal depression. For mothers, not being able to provide diapers for their children can affect them to their very core -- damaging their confidence and self-image.

####

About Social4Good

Launched in 2019, Social4Good brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong through the power of collective philanthropy. Monthly events support local philanthropies through financial, in-kind or volunteer support. For more information about upcoming events, visit www.social4goodevents.com.

About Fairfax Diapers

Fairfax Diapers was founded by Vienna's own Christine Kenny. Christine has been a dedicated volunteer at Food For Others and The Naomi Project over the past years, and in her work for these organizations, she realized the critical need for diapers for families in Fairfax County, and the lack of resources and organizations providing diapers. Fairfax Diapers is a 501(c) non-profit organization and is providing approximately 10,000 diapers per month to families in need in Fairfax County. The diapers are distributed through the Food for Others food bank. For more information about Fairfax Diapers, visit https://www.facebook.com/Fairfax-Diapers-2225615574190096/.

National Diaper Need Awareness Week draws attention to the issue of diaper need in the U.S. A signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network launched in 2012, the week provides individuals, organizations, communities, and elected officials the opportunity to engage in real talk and simple actions. By working together we can ensure that all babies have access to clean diapers and other basic necessities required for them to thrive and reach their full potential.