An East St. Louis resource center distributes free diapers each month

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Learning Resource Center is providing free diapers to the community.

“Diapers are an essential need for babies, and not only are they expensive, but also they are not something covered by SNAP/WIC funding,” LRC and Campus Engagement Director Sarah Kirkpatrick stated in a press release Thursday.

Members of the community in need of diapers can visit any of the metro-east distribution sites, which includes the LRC, located on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus at 601 James R. Thompson Blvd. in East St. Louis.

There are no eligibility requirements to receive the free diapers, according to the release, but they are available only on a first-come, first-serve basis and while supplies last.

The LRC started distributing free diapers for children from birth to 3-months old, in October. Diapers are distributed at the first of the month. The LRC receives 200 diapers at the start of each month.

“The Metro East Diaper Bank receives donations of diapers or money to buy diapers,” Kirkpatrick said, “and then repackages those diapers into bundles of 25. The bundles are then delivered to different distribution centers around the metro east.”

Kirkpatrick said the LRC will continue the diaper drive for the foreseeable future.

“We hope we’re able to support families in a variety of ways,” she stated, “so that if a student needs a book for a school project, a veteran needs internet access, or a parent needs a few extra diapers, they will think of the LRC as that go-to place.”

For more information, contact Patricia Merritt with SIUE East St. Louis Center Media and Community Relations at 314-724-1329 or pmerrit@siue.edu.