$10,500 donation goes to Big Island’s only diaper bank

The Hawai‘i Diaper Bank recently received a $10,500 donation from Hawaiian Electric to support its efforts to eliminate diaper need on Hawai‘i Island.

The nonprofit organization collects diapers, baby wipes and other basic essentials through community drives and events as well as corporate donations and low-cost bulk purchasing. It also accepts new hygiene products, pacifiers and other teething items as well as new or gently used blankets, books, clothing, diaper bags, and toys for children up to age 5. The items are distributed through a network of 20 community-based organizations that assist low-income families with young children.

Located in Kamuela, Hawai‘i Diaper Bank is the first diaper bank in the state and the only diaper bank on Hawai‘i Island. On average, it serves more than 550 children per month. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has distributed more than 1.6 million donations that include 517,955 diapers.

“It’s our goal to help every child go through life and go through early development being able to get everything that they need,” said Mike Guritz, Hawai‘i Diaper Bank board member. “Donations like this allow us to purchase additional diapers, hygiene products, clothes, and different games so that all these children can be putting their best foot forward to help make our island community just a little bit better and safer.”