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<\/p>\nORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Emily Ferrier knows the struggle all too well. As a first-time mom to 14-month-old Oakley, she faces a monthly expense that many families cannot afford: diapers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boxes here, they\u2019re almost like $40 and the way that the kids go through them is just crazy,\u201d Ferrier said. \u201cThey\u2019re going through several diapers a day, and before you know the box is out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferrier is not alone. One in two Central Florida families struggles to afford diapers, with monthly costs ranging from $80 to over $100 per child. In Florida, 76% of families receiving diaper assistance are working but still cannot afford enough for their children.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany families have to make decisions. Should I pay rent? Should I pay for food? Should I reuse this diaper? Should I put a plastic bag on my child instead of a diaper, and that\u2019s heartbreaking,\u201d said Anna Mae Kissandy, Director of Operations for HomeAid Orlando.<\/p>\n
That is why HomeAid Orlando has partnered with 9 Family Connection and McCoy Federal Credit Union for their sixth annual diaper drive. The goal: collect 1 million diapers for families in need across Central Florida.<\/p>\n
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Diaper Drive with QR Code <\/p>\n
Last year, the drive exceeded expectations. With just days remaining, organizers thought they would fall short of their 700,000 diaper goal. Then, a wave of last-minute donations pushed the total past 1 million diapers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the first time McCoy is participating with HomeAid on their diaper drive with 9 Family, and we\u2019re excited to do so,\u201d said Lindsay Fogarty, Executive Director of the McCoy Cares Foundation. \u201cFamilies are struggling right now, so it\u2019s important to do our part.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through June 5, 2026, families can drop off new, unopened packages of diapers at 13 participating McCoy Federal Credit Union branches across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Branches are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n
For those who cannot drop off diapers in person, online donations are accepted through June 19, 2026. Monetary donations allow HomeAid Orlando to bulk-purchase diapers directly from manufacturers, stretching every dollar further.<\/p>\n
All collected diapers will be distributed to four nonprofit partners:<\/p>\n
– Central Florida Diaper Bank<\/p>\n
– Christian Service Center<\/p>\n
– Jewish Family Services<\/p>\n
– The Sharing Center<\/p>\n
For Emily Ferrier, the Central Florida Diaper Bank provides critical support. She can visit once a month to pick up a diaper package, easing the financial burden on her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps tremendously with the expense of everything else, and we\u2019re able to put that money towards other needs and other necessities,\u201d Ferrier said. \u201cHaving diapers here kind of gives a weight lifted off my family\u2019s shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Oakley approaches his second birthday, his mom is grateful for the community support that helps ensure he has what he needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe diaper drive is awesome,\u201d Ferrier said. \u201cAll the companies and organizations that are donating, whether they\u2019re donating monetarily or they\u2019re donating packs of diapers, it\u2019s just awesome. All the other families that benefit from the Central Florida Diaper Bank are extremely grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
How to donate<\/p>\n
Visit 9Family.com to learn how you can make a cash donation or find a drop-off location near you. Every diaper helps reach the 1 million goal and supports families like Emily and Oakley\u2019s across Central Florida.<\/p>\n
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