(note that’s a 2008 parade photo – this year’s drive is THIS SUNDAY, JULY 19)
You’ll see them again in Saturday’s West Seattle Grand Parade – and then the very next day, this Sunday, you are going to want to show up at the bus at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market with an armload of diaper packages, to help “Stuff the Bus” on behalf of the hundreds of local families who get help from WestSide Baby every week. WSB is proud to be among the co-sponsors of this year’s diaper drive, and we just got the official news release – read on for the full details of this Sunday’s event, plus a note about a way you can participate right now (with a freebie attached!):

It’s time to “Stuff the Bus!” WestSide Baby’s 9th Annual Diaper Drive is
Sunday, July 19, 10 am – 2 pm in West Seattle and, for the first time ever,
in Burien. We plan to collect 100,000 in one day!

Two big yellow school buses provided by First Student will be prominently
parked — empty, ready and waiting for thousands and thousands of
disposable diapers. You will find one bus in West Seattle at the West
Seattle Farmer’s Market and the other in Burien at Burien Chevrolet. Drive
or walk up, climb aboard with your diapers and know you’ve done something
tangible to help a local family. These diapers are then distributed, free
of charge, to children in need in the King County communities served by
WestSide Baby.

Last year WestSide Baby distributed more than 240,000 diapers to local
children. This year, we are expecting that number to climb to nearly
300,000! Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of WestSide Baby, challenges
the community to “Stuff the Bus” with 100,000 diapers this Sunday. That
would be 3 times more than last year but would allow us to adequately meet
the incredible need. “We especially need larger size diapers (Sizes 3-6)
and Pull-Ups as they are our greatest demand. Food stamps do not cover
diapers and at approximately 23 cents each that can average $70 per month
for a struggling family. This most basic need should be as important to us
all as putting food on the table. WestSide Baby distributes more than 4500
diapers each week and we depend on community donations to help fill that
need.”

Over the past 9 years, individuals, families, clubs, church programs and
other organizations in the Burien and West Seattle community and in Greater
Seattle have collected diapers for the one-day WestSide Baby diaper rally.
The results help out all year long.

Why diapers? Because a child that sits in the same diaper all day is
vulnerable to diaper rash, infections, even abuse. Think about it: a wet,
poopy baby cries long and hard until getting changed. The average newborn
needs eight to ten diapers each day and the impact of rationing diapers
means more diaper rash, unhappy babies and stressed parents. Why not cloth
diapers? Most daycare centers require the use of disposable diaper for
children, and most clinical settings, like crisis shelters, use disposable
diapers for a combination of ease and sanitation. Studies also show the
environment impact of sanitizing cloth diapers and using disposable diapers
to be very similar. If parents can’t afford the diapers that a day care
center requires, they may not be able to take the very job that may help the
family move out of crisis or poverty. Washing cloth diapers can be a burden
on low-income families who have to travel to the laundromat after work,
often with children in tow.

For more information: www.westsidebaby.org — (206) 767-1662, 10032 15th Ave
SW, Seattle WA 98146.

About WestSide Baby: WestSide Baby, in partnership with our community,
provides essential items to local children in need by collecting and
distributing diapers, clothing, toys and equipment. In 2008, WestSide Baby
distributed more than $1.28 million in goods to children up to size 12
serving more than 14,000 local kids. By partnering with 108 established
social service agencies, we are able to focus simply on the items children
need to thrive while trained professionals can address other issues to give
families a hand in a time of need.

Also, we got a note from Cameron at C and P Coffee – they have a bin out year-round for diaper donations for WestSide Baby but if you bring some NOW (even before the drive) for Stuff the Bus, you get a free coffee drink!