Funds

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break 

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PUTNAM — More than $5,100 was raised at the third annual Guest Bartender Night for the Interfaith Human Services of Putnam - Diaper Bank of NECT, making it a record-breaking event for the local non-profit. Funds raised will enable the only diaper bank in the area to purchase 24,378 diapers, according to IHSP coordinator Kathi Peterson.

Local service agency employees, bankers, doctors, clergymen, non-profit volunteers, thespians, and friends formed bartending teams to offer “drinks for diapers,” – tips going to the diaper bank, a growing agency that currently provides diapers to more than 325 children in the Quite Corner.

Celebrity bartenders raised approximately $3,548 in tips this year. Team ‘Toy Story’ broke last year’s team fund-raising record of $1,083 by raising $1,158, this year with the help of a $350 donation from the Putnam Lions, who make a generous donation to a celebrity bartending team each year.

Having access to a reliable supply of diapers can present an economic challenge for many families in our community. Diapers are not covered by food stamps (SNAP), WIC or other usual means of assistance. While often recommended as a less expensive and greener alternative, many childcare facilities will not accept youngsters in cloth diapers.

As first shared from The Diaper Bank in July:

“Safety-net programs such as the Food Stamp Program and WIC do not cover the cost of diapers. An adequate supply of diapers can cost over $100 per month. The vast majority of licensed day care centers do not accept cloth diapers, and require parents and caregivers to provide a steady supply of disposable diapers… Low-income parents cannot take advantage of free or subsidized childcare if they cannot afford to leave disposable diapers at childcare centers. If parents cannot access daycare, then they are less able to attend work or school on a consistent basis.”

Diaper Bank Coordinator Helen Ferland was overwhelmed. “[I am] still reeling from all of the fun and especially the amount we made,” she said, offering kudos to event coordinator Karyn DiBonaventura. Ferland said, “It makes my heart sing to know that when people pull together they make a big difference in people’s lives. Best event ever! Love, love, love it!”

IHSP Coordinator Peterson said that in addition to the funds raised, there were quite a few donations of diapers. She said, “I would like to thank everyone who provided support for the function. Karyn DiBonaventura, Event Coordinator. Everyone who agreed to be a bartender. Everyone who provided donations for the Balloon Pop. Diane Farquharson and Chelsea Valade from TEEG. And everyone who came to pop a balloon or cheer on their favorite bartender. The amount raised will help us purchase 24,378 diapers and cover 761 bottoms …It was a wonderful evening with a lot of fun and fellowship amongst many. Each and every one of you made it happen.”

DiBonaventura was honored to serve the Diaper Bank and those it serves in turn. “I must say I had a blast,” she said. “I love putting together events like this and watching a community come together. We have something so very special in this Northeast corner that is unique. We are like one big happy family.  When there is a need, we all seem to pull together to help out and do what we can, and make sure we have fun doing it. So proud that everyone came out to support the Diaper Bank!”

Learn more about the Diaper Bank or about IHSP – Daily Bread on www.facebook.com/PutnamDailyBread.

Donations to the diaper bank or to the food pantry can be made online: www.nectinterfaith.org.