Denise shared the initiative’s origins, highlighting Dr. Michael Glass’s response to a community need for diapers. Over 10 years, the initiative has served over 12,000 families, distributing countless diapers and supporting families’ basic needs. The initiative relies on community support, including donations, volunteers, and partnerships. Upcoming events include a Family Essentials Fair on August 26. The BCCF aims to foster a vibrant, healthy Battle Creek through philanthropic efforts.
Denise shares how a simple volunteer experience with Dr. Michael Glass at Parkway Manor revealed the depth of diaper need in the community and grew into a structured initiative that has served over 12,000 families. With a mission to ensure no child goes without clean diapers and a vision centered on health, stability, and dignity, the initiative helps reduce financial and emotional strain on parents, improves children’s health, and supports parents’ ability to work by ensuring children can attend childcare. Support is provided through monthly diaper distributions at Parkway Manor (380 Truth Drive) on the last Wednesday of each month, 4–6 PM, and an annual Family Essentials Fair each August that brings together dozens of partner organizations and family activities. The BC Diaper Initiative is sustained by faith, volunteers, community partnerships, grants, donations, and community diaper drives, and is entering its 10th year with a renewed focus on advocacy and expanding its impact. Community members can get involved by donating diapers or funds, volunteering, partnering through their organizations, or hosting diaper drives, and can connect via Facebook (BC Diaper Initiative), bcdiaper.com, or bcdiaper@gmail.com.
Impact & Scale of Diaper Need
The initiative has:
Served over 12,000 families,
Distributed large quantities of diapers and wipes,
Improved children’s health (fewer rashes/infections),
Reduced parent stress, and
Supported employment stability (enough diapers helps children attend daycare so parents can work).
Diaper need:
1 in 2 families struggles to afford enough diapers.
Babies often need 6–10 diapers per day, creating a major monthly expense.
Diapers are not covered by WIC or SNAP.
Without enough diapers:
Children may be kept in diapers too long, causing health issues.
Parents may miss work or school if they can’t send enough diapers to childcare.
Parents experience stress, anxiety, and shame.
How and Where Support Is Provided
Monthly diaper distributions:
Location: Parkway Manor, 380 Truth Drive.
Time: Last Wednesday of every month, 4–6 PM.
Families receive diapers, wipes, and other essentials.
Events include multiple partner organizations (e.g., WIC, Head Start, schools, other agencies) so families can connect to health, early childhood, employment, and other services.
Larger annual event:
Family Essentials Fair in August (this year: August 26, last Wednesday of the month).
Includes around 30 organizations, entertainment, pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, and expanded resource offerings.
A key focus for the 10‑year mark is advocacy and awareness around diaper need.
Ways the Community Can Get Involved
Donate:
Diapers, wipes, and other essential items.
Volunteer:
Help at distributions (organizing supplies, greeting families, setup/tear‑down).
Partner (businesses, churches, schools, groups):
Sponsor distributions, provide resources, collaborate on events.
Host a diaper drive:
Churches, schools, workplaces, and local groups collect diapers and raise awareness.