Diaper giveaway to be held at PPG Paints Arena

A drive-thru diaper giveaway will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Joining forces in cosponsoring the giveaway are the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank and the humanitarian aid organization Global Links. The event will offer a case of four packages of diapers and wipes per car, serving up to 1,000 cars.

The giveaway benefits families and caregivers of young children who are financially in need. All recipients need do is to line up in their cars outside of the arena at 1001 Fifth Ave. by turning onto Logan Street from Centre Avenue. Personnel will direct vehicles. To exit, all traffic will be routed to Fullerton Street and then to Centre Avenue.

Since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank has donated 161,433 diapers, which is triple the amount of its distribution during the same time period last year, said Cathy Battle, executive director of the diaper bank.

Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing a one-size case of diapers, or two packages each of two different sizes.

In addition to the diapers, recipients also will be given information on other places that provide further diaper assistance and safe sleep information from Cribs for Kids.

“With record numbers of individuals experiencing unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many local families are struggling financially,” says Global Links Executive Director Angela Garcia.

“Diapers are a necessity, but they are costly, and they cannot be purchased with SNAP or EBT benefits, making them a required cash purchase,” she said.

Global Links and the diaper bank used grants and worked with vendors to secure the diapers. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Penguins Foundation are providing the diaper pick-up location and logistical support, Garcia said.