CLOTH Diaper Drive

Perhaps you've heard of Huggies diapers Every Little Bottom Campaign trying to collect donations of diapers to give to those less fortunate. Their studies show 1 in 5 families in North America do not have the funds needed to provide clean diapers to their children on a regular basis. I'm no longer a baby, but this makes me cry!

So while I do use and like Huggies diapers (my son wears them at night!), I want to do something more in line with my beliefs. I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding (it's cheap!) and of cloth diapering (my son wears cloth 90% of the time). I believe cloth diapering is more healthy, more environmentally sustainable and cheaper than constantly buying diapers.

I believe more people on a limited income would choose cloth diapers for their family if they could afford the often intimidating upfront costs of cloth diaper starter packs - often starting at $200 and going up!

However, cloth diapers do not have to be expensive! You can make them yourself if you buy cotton material at the store (around $10/m) and cut them into squares. Often you can get them used, as they do last a long time (and for more than one child), but I know it's not always easy.

All this to say, I'd like to collect new, used or handmade cloth diapers and water proof covers to donate to people in need. The following are some mighty words but I believe giving cloth diapers instead of disposable will do more to eliminate poverty in the long run.

Please help me collect cloth diapers and covers! I will wash and package what I receive into "starter packs" of about 15 diapers, along with care and washing information. I will then deliver them to a Montreal charity (or more than one, if this works well!).

If you have ideas on which charity to donate to or want to help, please contact me here!

I see this project having long term potential: perhaps once a child has grown out of one size, they can bring them back in exchange for the next size up. But before I get too excited, let's start small and see what can be accomplished between now and the new year.

And thanks to Huggies and The Yummy Mummy Club for giving me the motivation!

CLOTH Diaper Drive

5 Easy Ways to Give

I'm on a mission - I want everyone to start donating. You really don't have to sacrifice very much to make a difference. Here are a few easy ways to give back to your local community:

Hotel soaps
1) Take those little soaps, lotions, and shampoo/conditioner from your hotel room (or spa, if those things are provided) and donate them to a local shelter. Take the slippers, too!
Many of us take a hot shower for granted, and shelters always need things like soap and shampoo. It helps to make someone feel a little more human for one day and isn't a big deal for you to carry home.

Clothes
2) I'm sure you have lots of perfectly good clothes in your closet that you no longer wear. Do NOT throw them in the garbage! There are lots of second-hand stores that will take them. So will churches, and some cities have drop-off bins at grocery stores. There are even some associations that will pick up stuff from your house. Grab a large bag and go through your stuff every few months. It will free up your space and help someone else.

Coupons
3) Are you a coupon cutter? If you're already cutting coupons for yourself, cut out the ones for products you don't need and donate them to a food bank. It will help keep their costs down and it really doesn't take that much time to do. You can mail in any coupons you don't use, especially ones for diapers and formula.

Volunteer
4) Set aside a day a month for volunteer time. One day a month, that's all I'm asking! There are plenty of places one can volunteer at as a "one-off" - no on-going commitment necessary. Look for art festivals, fund-raisers or soup kitchens. These little opportunities also benefit you by giving you something extra to put on your resume, and also getting you out and meeting people. Single people - what better place to meet a great person than at a charity event, huh? Makes a fun next date!

Make it Automatic
5) Set up an automatic giving program with the charity of your choice. Most big charities now take pre-authorized bank debits, as well as monthly credit card debits. If you set up a monthly plan, it can be as low as $5. a month and not hurt your budget.

If you've got it, give it and everyone has a little something to give. You'll see in the long run, the more you give, the more you get back. It's that simple!

**What about you? Do you have any simple tips to get other people donating? Comment and let me know.

5 Easy Ways to Give