MEETING A NEW BOTTOM LINE
First-of-its-kind diaper bank addresses an urgent public health need for low-income families
Raziya Hill knows the obstacles that many families face to keep their little ones healthy and clean.
Once a young mother in a low-income household herself, she witnessed diaper need firsthand—an urgent and pressing issue for families who experience the financial burden of keeping diapers and other basic hygiene supplies in stock.
Raziya responded by creating Every Bottom Covered, the first diaper bank of its kind in Western New York. Similar to food pantries, diaper banks provide basic hygiene supplies to families in under-served communities.
“It can cost $80 to $100 per month to diaper just one child, and I wanted to help families that are in a difficult financial situation. That’s why I founded EBC.”
– Raziya Hill, Founder and Executive Director, Every Bottom Covered
The cost associated with buying diapers and other basic hygiene necessities can’t be ignored. But Every Bottom Covered also raises awareness about the public health crisis that’s created by diaper need. Families who struggle to keep fresh diapers on hand are more at risk for conditions associated with long-term wear.
“Diapers kept on too long typically lead to diaper rash. Babies with untreated diaper rash cry much more, causing unnecessary stress, anxiety, and even depression in parents. Babies’ wellbeing is also at risk, since unchanged diapers can cause serious health issues.”
– Raziya Hill, Founder and Executive Director, Every Bottom Covered
Advocating for parent interests
The Parent to Parent (P2P) associate resource group was created to advocate and engage the interests of working parents at Rich Products. In 2023, P2P collaborated with West Side Community Services (WSCS) to increase awareness and host a diaper drive to benefit Every Bottom Covered. The event collected 2,937 diapers, 69 packs of wipes, nearly a dozen tubes of diaper cream, and $725 in donated funds to buy additional supplies.
West Side Community Services and Every Bottom Covered have an ongoing partnership where diapers are distributed to families in need out of WSCS’ Provisions 139 food pantry on Breckenridge Street in Buffalo.
Hosting a diaper drive at a food pantry isn’t just coincidental, but strategic—it adds to the value Provisions 139 can provide for its surrounding community. The young families that rely on the food pantry for their meals also are likely to experience the financial strain associated with purchasing diapers and other hygiene products to care for their loved ones.
Throughout the COVID pandemic, parents were not able to go into the classrooms of the on-site daycare at Rich’s Family Center. The facility re-opened to parents in early 2023, and families were welcomed back with an event that auctioned off children’s artwork from daycare with proceeds benefiting Every Bottom Covered.
“It was amazing to see how our families were so excited not only to be back in the center with their kids but donating to an amazing organization like EBC. We look forward to continuing our efforts for years to come.”
– Clair Schneckenberger, Parent Group Lead for the Rich’s Family Center
How to donate
Every Bottom Covered continues to collect donations from the community to help families in need. Here’s how you can help:
1. Diaper donations
Diaper donations can be dropped off at Every Bottom Covered headquarters inside the Delavan Grider Community Center at 877 East Delavan Avenue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 4pm. The greatest need is for diapers sizes 4-7, pull-ups sizes 2T-3T, 3T-4T and 4T-5T, as well as wipes and diaper creams. Loose diapers and partially-opened diaper boxes or bags are accepted.
2.Cash donations
Cash donations allow the organization to buy supplies at bulk pricing and maintain warehouse storage facilities. Donate here.
3.Gift items
Check out the Every Bottom Covered gift lists on Amazon, Walmart and Target to purchase items we’re collecting for families in need. You can also Round Up to support Every Bottom Covered at Walmart by entering the 14215 zip code and selecting EBC as your charity of choice.
Learn more about how Every Bottom Covered is addressing diaper need in WNY
