Community Gets Behind Square One’s Need for Diapers

SPRINGFIELD — Several community groups are coming together to support Square One’s growing need for emergency diapers.

Six Flags New England, Pride Stores, and the Junior League of Greater Springfield are joining forces to collect much-needed diapers for children and families in the Greater Springfield region.

The diaper drive to support the Baby Bottoms Diaper Bank will be held at the Sixteen Acres Pride Store, 1110 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, on Friday, May 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; and at the Longmeadow Pride Store, 1730 Longmeadow St., on Saturday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Diaper donations of a case or more (valued at $14.99 or greater) are eligible to receive one complimentary ticket to Six Flags New England or a Pride gift card (restrictions apply).

Formed in 2014, the Baby Bottoms Diaper Bank supplies free emergency diapers and wipes throughout the Greater Springfield region. Led by Square One, the program is a partnership of Gray House, Open Pantry, Family Resource Center, Springfield Public Libraries, Caring Health Center WIC, and Tapestry Health WIC.

“Typically, we supply emergency diapers to about 1,200 families each year,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “When the COVID crisis struck, we saw an immediate and sharp increase in requests due to limited access and job loss. Over the past year, we have provided diapers to over 2,800 families. We are thrilled to have the support of these amazing organizations to help us fill this important need.”