WEST HARTFORD, CONN. (July 10, 2019) – Several local synagogues and Jewish agencies are partnering this summer to collect disposable diapers and other supplies for homeless families with young children at CRT’s East Hartford Community Shelter. The Community Diaper Drive runs from now through Friday, July 26, with eight drop-off locations across Greater Hartford. Everyone is invited to contribute. 

The drive is seeking new, closed packages of diapers in sizes newborn through 6 (sizes 3 and 4 are the most needed), baby wipes, diaper cream, sensitive skin baby wash and baby powder. Target and Walmart gift cards in $25 or $30 denominations are also helpful; CRT staff can use them to purchase additional supplies. The drop-off locations include B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom synagogue in Bloomfield, Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury and six West Hartford locations: Beth David Synagogue, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, Congregation Beth Israel, the Mandell JCC, The Emanuel Synagogue and Young Israel of West Hartford. Street addresses and additional details are available at bit.ly/2019DiaperDrive.

The Community Diaper Drive is co-chaired by West Hartford residents Susan Seid and Linda Brooks with help from the Jewish Community Relations Council, part of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. It is sponsored by MSA Worldwide, a franchising advisory firm based in West Hartford and founded by Susan Seid’s husband, Michael.

“I recently became involved in the Jewish Federation’s Dignity Project, which collects menstrual products and personal care items for local women and girls in need,” Susan Seid remarked. “This got me thinking about what other items young women might have difficulty purchasing - and diapers and wipes came instantly to mind.”

“Almost on a daily basis, we read about single mothers who work long hours, sometimes two jobs, to make ends meet. Many end up in this situation through no fault of their own,” noted Linda Brooks. “This project makes me feel that in a small way I have made another woman’s day a bit easier and given something back to my community.”

“We’re trying to do our small part in tikkun olam, or repairing the world,” added Seid.

To learn more about the Community Diaper Drive, please contact Alana Butler, Federation’s Director of Volunteer Engagement, at abutler@jewishhartford.org or 860.727.6152.