C'mon Ride the Train! Destination: Diapers for Families in Need

Doulas of Raleigh is so excited to be partnering with The Diaper Train of Wake County! They are our chosen beneficiary for our upcoming No Child Wet Behind event on May 5 (mark your calendars!). We recently met with Ms. Lisa Ives, the Diaper Train program coordinator, and she was kind enough to share some great information with us. 

DoR: What is the Diaper Train? 
Ms. Ives: The Diaper Train is a diaper bank that provides families of Wake County with diapers and wipes. The Diaper Train is a program of Saint Saviour's Center, which is owned by the Raleigh Housing Authority. We have a partnership with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina and we work with several homeless shelters. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. 

DoR: What is the mission of Diaper Train?
Ms. Ives: Our mission is to connect families with the diaper resources they need. We also promote reading between mothers and children and collect and distribute children's books to our families. 

DoR: How many diapers does the Diaper Train give out each month? 
Ms. Ives:  As many as 65,000 diapers a month.

DoR: Oh my goodness! That's a lot of diapers! What would you say is the Diaper Train's biggest need? 
Ms. Ives: Diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6. There is a common belief that newborns need the most diapers, but really it's the larger size diapers that children do not grow out of quickly and therefore need more of. Unfortunately, some of our families also believe that a larger size diaper will last longer and tend to request those sizes more frequently. 

DoR: How can people get involved with helping The Diaper Train? 
Ms. Ives: We welcome individuals and groups of volunteers to help us wrap and distribute diapers. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian or other supervising adult. 

DoR: Where can people find out more about The Diaper Train?                                                 Ms. Ives: They can check out our website  and our Facebook page. 

The Diaper Train accepts diapers of all sizes, wipes, and children's books. Donations can be dropped off at 616 Tucker Street Raleigh, NC 27603. Monetary donations are also welcome and checks can be made payable to Saint Saviour's Center (write Diaper Train in the memo line). As mentioned above, The Diaper Train of Wake County is also the named beneficiary for our upcoming No Child Wet Behind Diaper Drive Event and Fundraiser. We will be announcing diaper drop-off locations throughout Raleigh in the coming months as well as other opportunities for you to become involved in this worthwhile event!