OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance (OCECA) at Integrated Community Planning of Oswego County (ICPOC) is thrilled to announce it has received two grants totaling $17,500 which will help launch the Oswego County Diaper Bank.
This project, made possible thanks to the $2,500 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Health and Wellness Award and the $15,000 Richard S. Shineman Foundation Strategic Grant, marks a crucial step forward in addressing an urgent community need.
The Excellus BCBS funding recognizes the OCECA’s commitment to promoting health and well-being in Oswego County. The grant will support the establishment and initial operations of the Diaper Bank, ensuring that families facing economic challenges have access to essential infant hygiene products.
“We’re proud to have this opportunity to assist the OCECA in providing this much-needed service to families in Oswego County,” says Mark Muthumbi, Excellus BCBS regional president, Central New York region. “Like the OCECA, we are committed to helping families in our communities have access to the care and resources they need, so that they can live healthier, more secure lives.”
The $15,000 Richard S. Shineman Foundation Strategic Grant highlights OCECA’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Oswego County residents. This grant provides critical funding to sustain and expand the Oswego County Diaper Bank’s reach, aiming to alleviate financial burdens for families struggling to afford diapers for their infants and toddlers.
“Supporting initiatives like the Oswego County Diaper Bank is imperative because it directly impacts the well-being and quality of life for families in our community,” said Chena Tucker, director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. “By alleviating the financial stress associated with essential needs, we are helping to create a healthier, more supportive environment for our children to thrive. It is simply the right thing to do.”
On receiving the funding, Oswego County Early Childhood Alliance Coordinator Sidney Carter said, “We are incredibly grateful to Excellus BCBS and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their generous support. These grants will enable us to implement the Oswego County Diaper Bank, fulfilling a critical need in our community. Access to diapers is not only about basic hygiene but also about ensuring the health, dignity and well-being of our youngest residents and their families.”
The Oswego County Diaper Bank will collaborate with local agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners to distribute diapers and provide educational resources to families in need. By addressing this fundamental need, the Diaper Bank aims to reduce stress on families and promote healthy child development.
To make a referral to the Oswego County Diaper Bank, families can call ‘211’ and ask for “Help Me Grow.”
For more information about the Oswego County Diaper Bank or to learn how you can support this initiative, contact Sidney Carter at 315-343-2344, ext. 113 or [email protected].
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