For the fifth year, the Junior League of Columbus will participate in the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) September 23 - September 27, 2019.  During the LBDI, members pledge to wear the same black dress for the entire week, along with a button reading “Ask Me About My Dress!”   All participants will post pictures daily on Social Media platforms using the hashtag #JLCdoesLBDI.  The JLC’s main purpose during the LBDI is to raise community awareness of poverty and diaper need.

September 23 – 27, 2019 is also National Diaper Needs Awareness Week.  Infants require up to ten diapers per day, and toddlers need about six. Disposable diapers cost up to $100 per month per baby.  Despite being a basic hygiene need, diapers are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).  Over 30% of women with children in diapers can’t afford an adequate supply, forcing many families to make one or two diapers last the whole day.  Lack of diapers has a profound and complex impact on families, including health risks like rashes and urinary tract infections for children and emotional challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression for parents and children.  Without diapers, babies cannot attend daycare or participate in early childhood education programs.  Without childcare, mothers cannot go to school or work to further their education and provide for their families.

In 2017, the Junior League of Columbus became a nationally recognized Diaper Bank.  We are the only one serving South Georgia, and the closest one is over two hours away. Since the start of our collection efforts, we have distributed over 100,000 diapers.  In addition to the LBDI Week, the JLC will continue to collect diapers through the end of May.  Announcements about diaper distributions are forthcoming.