Spokane organizations launch week-long diaper drive to aid families in need

SPOKANE, Wash. — A week-long diaper drive kicked off Monday in Spokane, bringing together community groups to support families facing diaper insecurity.

Shades of Motherhood Network, a local nonprofit focused on empowering mothers in the community, is partnering with the Carl Maxey Center and Raze Early Learning Center to collect diapers, wipes, and other essential supplies for children.

According to Payshense Guevara of Shades of Motherhood, half of families in the U.S. can’t afford diapers and rising prices are making it even harder for parents to keep up with basic needs.

“A lot of people feel like they’re alone in that. And that’s not the case. It’s a lot more common than we think with prices rising everywhere,” Guevara said.

Organizers said it’s important to donate diapers of all sizes, as older and larger diapers can be especially difficult for families to obtain.

Jillisa Winkler, Executive Director of the Carl Maxey Center, said the collaboration between the three organizations is a real benefit of the drive.

“As we hear in our programs, families are in need of something and we are able to connect them to these resources.”

The diaper drive will continue through September 22 and is part of a broader effort to support families in need within the Spokane community. Alongside the drive, Shades of Motherhood is hosting educational events for new parents, focusing on empowering mothers with knowledge and resources.

Guevara, a new mom herself, shared the personal impact of these kinds of educational efforts.

“There’s a lot of things that, if I hadn’t known, my birth could’ve turned out very differently. As a mom who has felt her voice be silenced, I don’t want any mom to go through that,” Guevara said.

Winkler added, “What’s really important to us is to support people as they grow and learn, and can then make decisions for themselves.”

For more information and to donate, visit www.theshdesofmotherhoodnetwork.org.