Shreveport nonprofit asking for donations to supply diapers to those in need

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Basic Necessities is a Shreveport-based nonprofit organization that provides free diapers, menstrual products and incontinence supplies for those in need.

Recently, the group says the demand for diapers has been especially high, their average cost for supplies per client is $46.00 dollars.

Pamela Rowell, co-director of Basic Necessities, said some shelves are usually fully stocked with diapers, but a recent influx of orders has the organization running low.

“We happen to be in a cycle right now where we’ve gotten 40 to 50 orders. We’ve been able to fulfill some of them. We’re having to wait until we can restock for the rest,” she said.

The diaper bank has been in business just over a year and a half, and are the only certified, designated, nationally-recognized diaper bank in the ArkLaTex. They are members of both the National Diaper Bank Network and the Alliance for Period Supplies.

The organization has distributed over 100,000 diapers since opening their doors.

“If you’re low income, diapers are expensive. Sometimes it’s difficult to get enough diapers because a baby can use up to 12 diapers a day,” Rowell said.

Right now, the nonprofit is hoping for donations to fill the gaps on their shelves.

“It’s a very serious need. I don’t need to make light of it. It’s very serious, I mean for the baby it can be serious. It can be a health issue, a quality of life issue,” said Rowell.

Basic Necessities is participating in a national Economic Impact Survey via the NDBN to determine diaper need and the impact of free diaper banks on families in Louisiana and throughout the nation. The survey results will raise awareness of diaper need around the country, and hopefully help affect public policy around poverty & basic sanitary supplies.

The organization said currently, WIC, SNAP and Medicaid do not cover the cost of diapers unless they are prescribed by a doctor as part of a medical treatment program.

If you would like to make a donation to Basic Necessities, click here or visit their office at 2620 Centenary Boulevard, Ste. 140.

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