Bundles of Hope ‘Stuff the Bus’ drive to ease diaper need

In order to help Birmingham families, Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank is planning to ease the struggle of affording diapers with their annual fundraiser. 

The fourth annual “Stuff the Bus” diaper drive will be Sept. 21-30 on U.S. 280, in front of the Target shopping center. 

This year, Bundles of Hope has raised their goal from 150,000 diapers collected last year to 200,000. 

They will also collect monetary donations in order to purchase diapers themselves. 

“However you give, it will be making a huge impact in the lives of these families,” said Lindsay Gray, executive director at Bundles of Hope. 

Bundles of Hope is a local nonprofit that provides diapers to local families in need, and they currently distributes around 30,000 diapers a month, according to Gray. 

Diaper need — the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep babies clean and healthy — affects one in three families and there is currently no government assistance that covers diapers, Gray said.

“Bundles of Hope works to close the diaper gap by spreading awareness throughout the community,” she said.

The annual Stuff the Bus diaper drive alone provides enough diapers for 600 children across three counties (Jefferson, Shelby and Walker). They are on track to distribute their millionth diaper this year, Gray said. 

“Stuff the Bus is our largest event of the year and provides us with enough diapers to serve families for about six months,” Gray said. “Whether you want to donate or volunteer, there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.”

This year’s fundraiser coincides with Mayor Randall Woodfin’s proposed Diaper Need Awareness Week, Sept. 24-30. This week will allow attention to be brought to this issue, Gray said. 

For more details on the event and how to get involved visit bundlesdiaperbank.org or email info@bundlesdiaperbank.org.