New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer hosted a diaper drive Dec.10 at her annual Holiday Party where guests donated 5,867 diapers to the Sharing Shelf in Port Chester, to benefit the Westchester County Diaper Bank. The following day, Mayer dropped off the diapers to support families throughout Westchester County. This year’s diaper drive more than doubled last year’s success, surpassing the 2,485 diapers donated in 2024.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, in 2024, 46% of families with young children under four-years-old reported struggling to afford diapers. This report, though similar to the 47% reported in 2023, is a staggering increase from 33% in 2017. On average, families in New York spend between $100 and $120 per month on diapers, which are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits.
The data also shows that strain in affording diapers can have real implications on the family’s life – particularly the mother’s. Mothers experiencing diaper insecurity also report profound feelings of loneliness and hesitation asking for help out of fear of judgment and social exclusion. Further, 71% of mothers experience diaper insecurity, compared to 31% of women who do not struggle to afford diapers.
Mayer said, “I am so proud and deeply grateful to live in a community that consistently steps up for friends and neighbors in need. For the second year in a row, I invited guests to my holiday party to bring diapers for the Westchester County Diaper Bank. At a time when so many are working hard to make ends meet and feeling their own financial pressures, and while the cost of diapers is so high, I continue to witness the best of our community. As an optimist, I remain firm that when we each do what we can, no matter how small the gesture, we can make life better for all. Thank you to everyone who donated diapers and to The Sharing Shelf for your partnership and work providing support to families across Westchester.”
Deborah Blatt, executive director of the Sharing Shelf, said, “We are thrilled to benefit from Senator Mayer’s generous drive again this year. Diaper need is a reality for a growing number of Westchester families. According to the Urban Institute, it would take 8,076,000 diapers to ensure all low- and moderate-income families in Westchester have the diapers they need for their infants and toddlers. These diapers will help The Sharing Shelf chip away at some of that monumental number. We also hope Senator Mayer’s drive inspires others to get involved and organize more collections, allowing us to ease the burden and help keep infants and toddlers clean and cared for.”
