Strong Families Start with the Basics
United Way of Southwest Wyoming is joining communities nationwide in recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week beginning Monday September 5 through Sunday September 21, 2025, as a proud member of the National Diaper Bank Network.
Research shows 1 in 2 U.S. families struggles with diaper need, and more than 13 % of Wyoming’s children live in poor or low-income households. Diapers cannot be purchased with SNAP or WIC, and without them, parents may be unable to send their children to childcare, go to work, or attend school.
Locally, the United Way’s Community Diaper Bank distributed more than 98,402 diapers in Southwest Wyoming in 2024, helping relieve financial stress while keeping babies clean, dry, and healthy.
“Diaper need is a hidden crisis, but it affects half of families with young children,” said Shelley Richno, Community Impact Coordinator. “We are grateful to Mayor Rust of Green River, Mayor Mickelson of Rock Springs, and Mayor Hooton of Lyman for signing proclamations recognizing Diaper Need Awareness Week and helping shine a light on this challenge our community can solve—together.”
For parents, the impact is immediate. “Before the diaper bank, I sometimes had to choose between buying diapers or groceries,” one local mom shared. “Getting help with diapers means my baby stays healthy and I can focus on providing for my family without that constant stress.”
These proclamations reflect the power of community action. By working together, we can ensure every child has the basics they need to thrive and give families a little more financial and emotional breathing room.