Service Spotlight: D.C. Diaper Bank

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Despite the help from Corinne Cannon’s family members, she and her husband were still struggling to make ends meet after the birth of their son.

“We were fortunate to have both of our families help support us, but we kept thinking about families that did not have family to help them,” she said. “That’s when we knew we needed to help other families by doing something sufficient.”

After conducting some research, the Cannons were surprised that while some other cities had nonprofit diaper banks that collected and distributed diapers to needy families, the District did not. So the couple decided to start the DC Diaper Bank, launching the organization in their home in April 2010, on their son’s first birthday.

The project grew so fast, they soon joined forces with the Capital Area Food Bank, which provided storage space for the donated diapers. As they continued to garner donations, the Cannons sought help from additional agencies, groups, organizations and individuals to manage the project. Corinne Cannon uses donated funds to diapers at a discount. At wholesale prices, they cost 10 cents each, while retail they sell from 20 to 50 cents apiece.

The diapers are distributed to needy families through agency providers.

Some host diaper drives by standing outside of grocery stores asking people to purchase a package of diapers while they are shopping. Others buy diapers and then donate.

Although the diaper bank is just off its feet, the number of organizations and agencies it donates to is rapidly growing.

What started as a hobby quickly became a full-time job for Cannon, and it’s one she is happy to have.


Issues |Youth


Region |Washington DC

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