November 24 marks the first anniversary of the Westchester County Diaper Bank – the first of its kind in Westchester County – established through a partnership between the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW), County Executive Robert P. Astorino, and the Westchester Department of Social Services (DSS).

The first anniversary was celebrated on Thursday, November 19, with a volunteer diaper packaging event at the JLCW headquarters at Wayside Cottage in Scarsdale.

“Diapers are a basic need for children – as essential as food and shelter,” said Astorino. “I want to thank the Junior League of Central Westchester for this tremendous partnership. Along with the county’s Department of Social Services, we’re helping to keep babies clean, safe and healthy.”

Motivated by the mission “Changing Babies… Changing Lives,” the Diaper Bank gives families an opportunity to apply for a package containing a week’s supply of diapers and wipes up to three times a year per child.  Intended to help get families through the tough times, the Diaper Bank serves families through the DSS. A family does not have to be an existing client of DSS to apply for diapers, although proof of Westchester County residency and a child’s birth certificate are required for eligibility.

Applications can be obtained and submitted at any of the county’s district offices – located in Mount Vernon, Peekskill, White Plains and Yonkers – or can be downloaded from the JLCW’s website at jlcentralwestchester.org/diaperbank. Diapers are distributed on a monthly basis from the district offices. Applications are due approximately three weeks before the distribution dates.

In its first year of operations, the Westchester County Diaper Bank has distributed 150,600 diapers (or 3,012 packages), an average of 274 packages monthly, to local families in need. The Westchester County Diaper Bank relies on donations, community drives and corporate sponsorships. Events like this seek to promote awareness of the growing need for diaper donations and the opportunity that exists to volunteer, donate, and impact the lives of families living in our communities.

“The Junior League of Central Westchester is extremely appreciative of the support for the Diaper Bank from outstanding community and corporate supporters,” said Alison Messerle, JLCW President. “This has been a wonderful collaboration with Westchester County and we are thrilled by what we have been able to achieve together.”

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.