Outreach in Action: Diaper Bank works with Stockbridge Outreach to provide supplies for all ages

by Jo Mayer and Paul Crandall

Sign pointing to side door (West Entrance) of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, where diapers can be picked up. Photo by Jo Mayer.

Outreach has a new, “undercover” partner:  a diaper and adult disposable briefs bank.

“I like to say it’s all about bottoms,” explained Sandy Andresen, volunteer at the Diaper Bank, located in the basement of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, UCC.

“We have diapers for children, adult disposable briefs, bed pads, wipes, and feminine hygiene products for those who need them,” she said. “Everything is free to whomever walks in — all we ask is for a name for our records.”

The Diaper Bank recently pitched a proposal to Outreach: For any Outreach clients needing help getting diapers, feminine hygiene products, or adult disposable briefs, volunteers from the church would help address the need with local deliveries. They’d make the run to Stockbridge every other week, giving Outreach clients a source for these must-have supplies close to home.

“We have always had trouble keeping diapers in stock for those who need them, so this is such a big help to struggling families in our area,” said Outreach Director Gwen Reid.

The brainchild of Pastor Barb Edema, the idea was quickly embraced by a dedicated group of 8-10 church women. After a few months of planning and organizing, the doors opened to the public in September 2022.

Experience over these months has led to some fine-tuning.

“We had thought that when we opened, people would stampede through the doors to access the free products, but that didn’t happen,” Andresen said. “We’re finding that we need to spend more time and energy on getting the word out to those who could use these services.”

Diaper Bank volunteers Sandy Andresen (left) and Laura Gordon show their stock. Products are also available, on a scheduled basis, through Stockbridge Outreach. Photo by Paul Crandall.

Part of that new emphasis, she said, is partnering with groups like Outreach.

The bank’s basic model is to encourage folks in need to visit the Chelsea location on a weekly basis for as long as their need lasts. It’s meant as a supplement to the family’s supplies.

So far, it’s children’s diapers that are attracting the most visitors to the bank.  As their babies grow and move to bigger sizes, some parents have returned the leftover, unused diapers to be passed on to another family.

“It really is a neighbors-helping-neighbors program.  And who’s our neighbor? Everybody!” Andresen said.

All are welcome to visit the diaper bank during open hours or contact the Outreach office to sign up.  Donations — whether supplies or cash — are greatly appreciated.

To get to the Diaper Bank, enter through the side door of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea, 121 East Middle Street, Chelsea. The bank is open on Mondays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and by appointment if you call 734-475-1844.  (The church office is open M, W, F, 8am – 2pm.)

This column is sponsored by Stockbridge Community Outreach, our local food pantry, crisis, and referral center located in the Stockbridge Activity Center (old middle school) near Cherry and Elm streets in Stockbridge. Office hours are 1-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and by appointment. [email protected], 517-851-7285, or find us on Facebook.