Big Help For Little Ones

Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a drastic effect on the health and well-being of local residents who were already struggling to make ends meet. According to WestSide Baby, a nonprofit that provides basics for children in need, 23 percent of families with young children across King County struggle to afford enough diapers to keep their child safe, warm, and dry.

According to director of development Carina Schubert, the biggest challenge for WestSide Baby during the COVID-19 pandemic has been keeping up with demand.

“In response to COVID-19 and the devastating economic impact it had on families in our community, WestSide Baby tripled our budget to purchase diapers in bulk so we could respond generously to families experiencing diaper need. We increased our diaper distribution 82% over the same time period in 2019, while also adding 47 new community sites around King County to distribute items to families quickly and efficiently,” she said.

Schubert said demand for children’s basics still outpaces WestSide Baby’s supply and she estimates the organization is only meeting 5 percent of the diaper need of families living below the Federal Poverty Line in King County.

With the need for basics so high, the organization has recently begun working on a diaper subsidy with the WA State Legislature that will provide public assistance to low-income families.

Want to help? WestSide Baby is most in need of diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and car seats. You can drop off diapers in SLU at 435 Eighth Avenue every Monday from 10am to 1pm. Check out WestSide Baby’s Amazon Wish List, or consider making a monetary donation here.