Diaper theft leaves charity with empty shelves
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A weekend theft at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina has left the organization with empty shelves and families in desperate need.
Officials estimate between 10,000 and 13,000 diapers were stolen, which is equivalent to $5,000.
The theft occurred sometime between noon Saturday and 8 a.m. Monday.
"We aren't able to fill our orders, and we have seen babies go through the day with one diaper a day," said Diaper Bank Executive Director Michelle Old. "Parents are forced to rinse out diapers and reuse them and we're seeing an increase in diaper rashes."
Existing programs such as WIC and food stamps do not cover diapers, which leaves many low-income families struggling to provide this basic need to their children.
The Diaper Bank relies entirely on donations and distributes diapers through established family-support organizations.
In the past year, the Diaper Bank has collected over 135,000 diapers.
"One person's bad decision will not stop our work," stated Old. "The Diaper Bank of NC is committed to continuing to support families."
The community can help in several ways. Diaper donations - sizes 4 and 5 are particularly needed - can be made at one of the Diaper Bank Hot Spot Drop-off locations:
- Bull City Craft (2501 University Drive, Durham, NC)
- Stay & Play Snack Cafe (405A East Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC)
- Chapel Hill Children's Clinic (301 Kildaire Road #200, Chapel Hill, NC)
Donations can also be made on the Diaper Bank's website at http://ncdiaperbank.org/get-involved/donate-it/.
