Thanks to the generosity of the Melrose community, the City of Melrose donated over 1,000 diapers and wipes to local families participating in community programs at MelroseWakefield Hospital as part of the Mayor's 2nd Annual Diaper Drive on Monday, December 19, 2022.

A 2022 study published in Health Equity found that 36% of Massachusetts families with young children could not afford enough diapers for their children, and that diaper need has become a growing public health issue associated with poverty, food insecurity, and chronic illness.

“Diapers are critical to the well-being of infants and toddlers, and unlike formula, they are an essential need not covered by government benefits,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “We are proud to partner with MelroseWakefield Hospital to fill this need. Our community came together and donated well over 1,000 diapers – and I couldn’t be prouder. I look forward to continuing these efforts year after year to provide help to our local families who need it.”

”We are grateful to Mayor Brodeur, to the City of Melrose, and to all of the generous individuals who donated to this year’s diaper drive,” said Eileen Dern, Director of Community Services at MelroseWakefield Hospital. “With so many local families struggling, the need for everyday items in our communities continues to rise, and with the help of drives such as this, we are able to provide necessities like clean, dry diapers.”

Diapers are as essential to a child's well-being as food and shelter but are often the last thing families can afford when they are struggling financially. Providing clean and dry diapers promotes physical and emotional health in babies, and lets babies and toddlers participate in early childhood education. SNAP and WIC benefits do not cover diapers, and with an increase in families struggling to afford the basics at the holidays, helping to reduce diaper need is more important than ever.