The efforts will help struggling families in New York who are facing increasing costs once the governor signs it into law.

A press conference about the impact this will have on local families was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15 th at Wayside Cottage at 1039 Post Rd. in Scarsdale. Assemblyman Nader Sayegh and State Sen. Jamaal Bailey were in attendance along with members of the JLCW Westchester County Diaper Bank.

Watch press conference here

JUNE 14, 2022 (SCARSDALE, N.Y.): New York State is poised to help families by removing local sales taxes charged on diapers thanks to the efforts of the Junior League of Central Westchester. The League, which runs the Westchester County Diaper Bank, successfully lobbied lawmakers this Spring on the importance of removing the tax to help struggling parents already grappling with inflation.

The bill passed the state Assembly on May 31 st and the state Senate on June 4 th . The bills were sponsored by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh (D-Yonkers) and State Sen. Jamaal Bailey (D-Bronx.) The bill must still be signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. A press conference on the achievement was held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15 th at Wayside Cottage, headquarters of the Junior League of Central Westchester. The cottage is located at 1039 Post Rd. in Scarsdale, NY. Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, State Sen. Jamaal Bailey and members of the Westchester County Diaper Bank and the National Diaper Bank were  in attendance.

While New York State does not charge taxes on diapers, many localities do. Diapers for one child cost about $1,000 a year, roughly $18 a week for about 50 diapers. Sales taxes can add an additional 4% to 5% to the cost, depending on the locality. This can be a hardship for struggling families, especially as diapers are not covered by government assistance.

“We at the Westchester County Diaper Bank receive countless emails and applications from families who are facing difficult situations. Imagine not being able to go to work because you cannot provide the diapers required for your daycare or not having a dry diaper available when your child needs one,” said Jamie Stinson, Co-Chair of the Westchester County Diaper Bank. “These are the hardships families in our communities face every day. Sales tax adds up, especially with the price of diapers skyrocketing. This
saved money can easily add up to an additional box of diapers over the course of a year, and to a struggling family, that is significant.”

About one in three women have reported cutting back on essentials like food, utilities or childcare to afford diapers for their children, according to a Huggies study. The poorest fifth of American families spends almost 14% of their paychecks on diapers, according to the Center for Economic Policy Research. Adding even a few dollars to the cost of a diapers package can result in parents missing work because they can’t afford enough diapers to send their children to childcare.

In Westchester County, more than 8,000 children up to the age of 4 live in poverty. To put that into perspective, it would take about 20.8 million diapers a year to provide enough for each family living below the poverty line in the county. The League collaborated with the National Diaper Bank as well as state diaper banks to create an email campaign at the beginning of the year to gain support from lawmakers.  The groups also met on April 26 th in Albany to lobby elected officials.
The Westchester County Diaper Bank, founded in 2014 as an initiative of the League, is on track to donate more than 125,000 diapers to families in need throughout the county this fiscal year. Diapers are generally distributed each month at the Westchester County Department of Social Services’ locations in White Plains, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, and Peekskill. Diapers are also distributed to community organizations in the county.

“Through the Westchester County Diaper Bank, the Junior League of Central Westchester has leveraged our resources to yield sustainable impact for people by combatting diaper deprivation for babies, easing the financial burden for families, and increasing access to a basic need,” said League President Michelle Memoli.

Press release from Assemblyman Sayegh’s office

Scarsdale, NY, May 30, 2020 – The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) joined the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Westchester in their Virtual Mental Health Awareness Walk. This year’s event was virtual to protect participants in light of COVID-19 and the New York State On-pause executive order. 

NAMI asked teams to “walk your way” giving flexible guidelines to walk a 5k or do any activity such as exercise or crafting that would be inspiring and raise awareness to the importance of removing the stigma associated with Mental Illness. The JLCW Cares Team walked a 3.5 mile loop in the shape of a heart and chalked their walk. Perhaps you noticed some sweet chalk drawings along your street or path? The messages there were intended to inspire all and send the message that none of us are alone. 

NAMI offers free help to individuals and families in search of Mental Health answers. They also offer presentations to educate the communities about mental illness. JLCW hosted a Zoom-based Ending the Silence presentation that was informative and included speakers who were young adults managing their mental illness as well as a parent with similar experiences. 

“When the Junior League of Central Westchester partnered with NAMI Westchester last year, we did not expect the events of this Spring, which made the need for Mental Health Awareness particularly relevant during 2020,” said JLCW President, Valerie Phillips. “We all need to know we are not alone, that if we need help, it is ok, there is hope.”

The walk was an opportunity to raise awareness for Mental Health as well as take care participants bodies and minds. The Mind-Body connection is very strong and Saturday was a beautiful day in Scarsdale to get out and be active. The physical act of exercising can help us take a break from our everyday concerns. This in turn helps us feel more energized, relieves stress, improves memory and sleep as well as reaps the calming effects of more meditative exercises, all of which contribute to better overall positive mood and general health. 

If you are feeling depressed or anxious please reach out for help:

NAMI Westchester Helpline (914) 592-5458 

Dept. Community Mental Health Information, Support and Referral line (914) 995-1900 

Please call 914.723.6130 or email JLCW@verizon.net, if you have questions about JLCW’s work with NAMI Westchester. 

About the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW)
The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, the JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for over 70 years. Our approximately 225 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The Junior League of Central Westchester welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities. (Additional Information at www.jlcentralwestchester.com) 

The JLCW has made a $2,500 donation to White Plains Hospital COVID-19 Relief Fund, which is the equivalent to a day’s worth of surgical masks for first responders. White Plains Hospital has been a longtime partner and sponsor of the JLCW, having collaborated together on several community projects over the years. White Plains Hospital has been there for the JLCW, and we are there for them now.

The White Plains Hospital COVID-19 Relief Fund is being used to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies, to build additional critical care units, and to provide meals to front line staff.  The fund will also be used for advanced technology to care for COVID patients such as additional monitors and iPads for patients to use in communicating with family members.

“Members of The Junior League of Central Westchester have come together to make a donation equivalent to the funds required for a day’s worth of surgical masks,” said JLCW President Valerie Phillips. “Our League has partnered with White Plains Hospital for many years and we are grateful to be able to support their critical efforts in our community during this extraordinary time.” 

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About the Junior League of Central WestchesterThe Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, the JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for more than 70 years. Our more than 225 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The Junior League of Central Westchester welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

The JLCW Holiday Boutique will feature an impressive roster of vendors, with many participating for the first time, and serves as an opportunity for the Westchester community to support small and local businesses. Nearly 40 vendors will offer a wide variety of merchandise, including jewelry, home goods, clothing, hostess gifts, items for children, men and more.

“Holiday Boutique is always an important fundraiser for the League as well an amazing event. It’s wonderful to see so many vendors and attendees come together to support the local community. Proceeds from Holiday Boutique allow the League to provide a variety of services to the community at large,”  said Valerie Phillips, President of the JLCW. 

In addition to checking off items from holiday gift lists, Holiday Boutique shoppers contribute to the greater good: 20 percent of all vendor proceeds will be generously donated to the JLCW. Funds raised will allow the JLCW to continue its mission of improving the lives of individuals and families throughout Central Westchester County. Holiday Boutique sales enable the JLCW to support programs that promote health and literacy, provide food and necessities to the underprivileged, empower low-income families, help preserve community history, and train effective community volunteers.

Suggested donation for admission is $10. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win one of several fabulous prizes. For more information visit http://www.jlcentralwestchester.org/hb or contact  JLCWHB@gmail.com

About the Junior League of Central Westchester

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, the JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for more than 70 years. Our approximately 225 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The Junior League of Central Westchester welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

Diaper need is a silent crisis with parents and caregivers often forced to choose between food, rent, or buying diapers. One in three American families struggles to afford an adequate supply of diapers.

The Westchester County Diaper Bank was launched in 2014 to help families who struggle to afford diapers, so they can avoid risking a child’s health. There is no state or federal child safety-net program that allocates dollars specifically for the purchase of diapers. An average monthly supply of diapers costs approximately $80.

“Diaper Need Awareness Week educates the public on the vital role The Westchester County Diaper Bank plays to positively impact the lives of hundreds of families in our County who struggle to afford diapers,” said Valerie Phillips, President, Junior League of Central Westchester. “The Westchester County Diaper Bank, operated by the Junior League of Central Westchester in partnership with Westchester County Department of Social Services, has distributed over 600,000 diapers to local families in need, helping them obtain this basic necessity for their children.”

The Junior League of Central Westchester believes that, together with the support of the County Executive’s office and the help of the community, we can reduce diaper deprivation and, in so doing, improve the lives of babies and their families throughout the county.

For more information about receiving or donating diapers, contact the Junior League of Central Westchester at 914-723-6442, jlcwdiaperbank@gmail.com or www. JLCentralwestchester.org/diaperbank

About the Junior League of Central Westchester

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, the JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for more than 70 years. Our approximately 225 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The Junior League of Central Westchester welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) invites women who live or work in Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale or White Plains to our semiannual prospective member information sessions on Wednesday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Wayside Cottage, 1039 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY.

Established in 1947, the JLCW is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.  The JLCW welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

At the information sessions, participants will learn about our diverse community projects, how our efforts improve the lives of neighbors in need, as well as the activities that support these initiatives, including fundraising and development, volunteer training and communications. We will discuss the wide range of events that the JLCW hosts throughout the year, including training seminars, roundtable discussions, community events, and fundraisers that are enjoyed with family and friends.

Participants will also learn about the numerous opportunities our members enjoy to connect and socialize with each other, including after-work gatherings at restaurants and bars, fitness classes, mom meet-ups at local play areas, charity runs, movie nights, private shopping events, cooking classes and more.

“I could not be more excited to welcome a new group of women that are eager to lead mindfully and give back to our community,” said Valerie Phillips, President of the JLCW. “We believe that the empowerment of women is necessary to create positive and lasting change, and our members value transformational female leaders who set bold goals and work collaboratively to achieve community impact while developing friendships along the way.”

Women who are interested in joining will become provisional members and have the opportunity to work together to complete a short-term community service project. The Fall 2019 new member class will participate in a project that will benefit the local community and allow new members to get acquainted with JLCW members and each other. Women interested in learning more about the JLCW should RSVP to joinjlcw@gmail.com, fill out our membership interest form bit.ly/joinJLCW or call our office at (914) 723-6130 for further information. More details are available at www.jlcentralwestchester.org.

March 18, 2019

Tickets on Sale Now for Big Night Out at Kanopi

Junior League of Central Westchester event will honor No Child Wet Behind and its co-founders, Debbie Aglietti and Randy Patterson

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Big Night Out at Kanopi which will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Kanpoi at the Ritz Carlton in White Plains, NY.  The evening festivities will include cocktails, silent auction, music and food. As one of the JLCW’s largest fundraisers, Big Night Out will provide essential financial support for JLCW’s educational and charitable projects. Over the past 72 years, the JLCW has been committed to promoting volunteerism; developing the potential of women; and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Big Night Out will recognize No Child Wet Behind and its co-founders, Debbie Aglietti and Randy Patterson, for their contributions to the community. Dedicated to awareness, education and the donation of diapers to families in financial need with infants and small children, No Child Wet Behind was created and is run by Northeast Doulas, which Aglietti and Patterson also co-own. Through events and fundraising efforts, No Child Wet Behind has provided upwards of 20,000 diapers per year to the Westchester County Diaper Bank since its inception in 2014. JLCW created and operates the Westchester County Diaper Bank in a partnership with the Westchester County Department of Social Services.

Evening Highlights

• Stunning panoramic views of the Hudson Valley from Kanopi at The Ritz Carlton
• Food, drinks and festivities from: Albanese’s Chocolate Fantasies, Baked to Perfection, Conti’s Pastry Shoppe, Darby Trading Incorporated, Flowers by Sutton, Ford Lincoln of Queens, Mazda of Valley Stream and Pernod Ricard
• Award Ceremony honoring No Child Wet Behind and founders Debbie Aglietti and Randy Patterson
• Dance the night away to DJ Theo Philip
• Visit the March Madness lounge and photo booth
• Silent auction including vacations, sporting event tickets, spa treatments and more
• Party for a great cause: support the amazing community work of the Junior League of Central Westchester
• Enjoy a night with friends and new faces in the local community!

Junior League of Central Westchester Sponsors

The JLCW is grateful to all of its 2019 sponsors, particularly its Emerald Sponsor, Clean Design. Other gracious sponsors include TD Bank, Houlihan Lawrence, William Raveis, Douglas Elliman, Geico Westchester, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s, White Plains Hospital and Mark Jessamy Photography.

Tickets now available at https://www.auctria.com/auction/jlcwBNO2019

For more information on Big Night Out, becoming a sponsor, or donating to the silent auction, please contact the JLCW office at (914) 723-6130, email jlcw@verizon.net or visit http://www.jlcentralwestchester.org/bno.

About the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW)

The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Headquartered at historic Wayside Cottage, JLCW has served the communities of Eastchester, Greenburgh, Scarsdale and White Plains for 70 years. Our approximately 250 active and sustaining members are accomplished collaborators who identify community needs and develop effective and responsive programs to serve those needs. The JLCW welcomes all women who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities (Additional information at www.jlcentralwestchester.org.) The JLCW is supported by the following sponsors: Clean Design, TD Bank, Houlihan Lawrence, William Raveis, Douglas Elliman, Geico Westchester, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s, White Plains Hospital and Mark Jessamy Photography.