According to the Institute for Family Studies, the expected cost of raising a child ranges from about $200,000 to $400,000 — and the expenses start with newborns in diapers.
For families with young children who would not otherwise be able to afford the expense of newborn necessities, Priority Health funded a diaper distribution.
“We know that this is a need,” Michelle Harris, senior marketing specialist for Priority Health, said. “Unfortunately in the community, sometimes if you have to buy diapers, then you’re not buying food. So if we can alleviate that need by providing diapers, we are happy to do so.”
The amount of donated diapers totaled 67,000; every parent was given a sleeve of diapers, as well as a pack of wipes and a first aid kit.
Mariano Garcia is a grandpa that came to get free diapers for his grandsons. “It means a lot; the community of Grand Rapids is doing a lot for the people who need help,” Garcia said.
Garcia knows how costly kids can get, which is why he did everything he could to make sure his daughter has help raising her children. “Sometimes it’s kind of a struggle getting all of the stuff that she needs,” Garcia remarked.