The Diaper Cooperative/ Cooperativa de Pañales came together when parents in the community were struggling to access diapers and infant supplies during COVID-19. We work together to procure and distribute bundles of diapers and wipes every Saturday morning in the Francis Avenue Community Garden. Join us and help sustain the cooperative.
We work together to procure and distribute bundles of diapers and wipes every Saturday morning in the Francis Avenue Community Garden.
The LA Baby Cooperative/Cooperativa Para Bebés de LA works to meet a shared need for diapers and infant supplies in the LA Koreatown neighborhood. We recognize that these are basic, common needs and we work together because no parent or caregiver should feel alone. We envision a more collaborative and equitable future in which every family and baby has the resources they need to thrive.
Our Story—
When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, mothers at Urban Partners Los Angeles’ (UPLA) food bank in Koreatown discovered that access to diapers was quickly becoming a concern. Access to an adequate supply of diapers is vital to our children’s health and wellbeing. Seeing our incomes diminish as the supply of diapers in stores dwindled, we created an alliance of families and neighbors to do something about it!
LA Baby Cooperative/Cooperativa para Bebés de LA is an all-volunteer community response to the urgent need for diapers and infant supplies. Since March 2020, we have procured over 65,000 diapers for the community. But OUR SUPPLIES HAVE RUN LOW!
We now struggle (together at least!) each week to gather donations of diapers and wipes. We are urgently asking for donations toward a bulk diaper and wipes purchase to get our little ones through the next few months.
“Diapers helps us a lot especially now at this very difficult time of the pandemic. All the people are very kind that work within this organization. “
-Mother
“I like how organized the organization is, and I thank you very much for supporting us in this difficult time for all mothers. “
-Mother
“For me, this experience where they are giving diapers has been very helpful, I encourage mothers and pregnant women to come and get diapers if they need it.”
– Mother
“This helps us mothers tremendously, it’s a big help in our current financial crisis, we are very grateful for your team and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
-Mother
* No government programs support families with the high cost of diapers – these supplies are not covered by WIC or SNAP. Diapering poses a financial hardship for 1/3 of American families, and more of course during times of economic crisis.
* Diaper supplies cost approximately $1200 annually per child (approx $80 a month for diapers alone). With few “big box” stores in the Koreatown area, and many of our families without transportation, the cost is greater.
* Our undocumented member neighbors are fearful of accessing many services, including local diaper programs. We do not work with law enforcement agents or agencies. As a community cooperative, we’re about building trusting relationships within the community and real empowerment.
Additional Reading:
https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/diaper-need/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/30/parenting/coronavirus-baby-formula-shortages-wipes-diapers.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/29/parenting/diaper-banks-formula-wipes-coronavirus.htm
Donate to our Gofundme campaign
We are currently fundraising to put in a bulk order of diapers from a local biodegradable diaper company who are offering us a very generous price! Every dollar donated goes directly to diapers that our babies need. You can donate here.
Provide something on our “Wish List”
We gratefully accept in-kind donations of diapering supplies (diapers and wipes) to, please have items shipped to the following address or contact us to arrange drop off/collection:
First Unitarian Church
2936 W. 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90005
*If you are sending something feel free to drop us an email at info@lababycooperative.org letting us know what’s coming, we love to hear from you!
Our current need:
*Here’s a breakdown of what we need each week
Number of Individual Diapers (check total number on box/bag) |
Packs of Wipes |
|
Size 1 |
400 |
|
Size 2 |
400 |
|
Size 3 |
700 |
|
Size 4 |
1000 |
|
Size 5 |
1200 |
|
Size 6 |
1200 |
|
TOTAL: |
4900 |
140 packs |
We also coordinate direct donations of new and gently used items (e.g., bassinets, clothing, strollers, baths, toys, books) to families who are part of LA Cooperativa de Bebe. Please email us at info@lababycooperative.com if you would like to donate.
We’d love to connect with you! Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering, have particular skills or resources you can offer or want to learn more about what we do.
Follow our social media for updates