Cloth diapers are offering a layer of comfort for a pair of sisters and their young children, separated from their husbands and dads as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Claudia Pardo is hosting the Ukrainian refugees in her Switzerland home. Some Ukranians working at the United Nations created a nonprofit to connect hosts and refugees, and when she found out she applied.
“They are from Kyiv. They left when the bomb/war started,” Claudia wrote. “The dads wanted them to be safe. They left and spent days/weeks moving around in Europe (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria). Once I confirmed I could host them, they came here.”
The group includes the two sisters and their 3 children, all ages 2 and younger. Their husbands and parents are still in Kyiv, as men ages 18 to 60 years old are not allowed to leave Ukraine unless they have more than 4 children or have disabilities, Claudio explained.
“They feel grateful to be here and safe, but guilty they can have peace while the rest of their family/friends are under conflict,” Claudio said, adding that the uncertainty of the conflict takes its toll, too. “The moms are always very anxious until they can have the daily call with family at home to make sure they are still alive/good.”
Claudia reached out for cloth kits from Jake’s to ease the financial burden of diapers on the group. There was a transition getting used to the new material and cloth process, but Claudia said it has already made a difference.
“They still don’t feel comfortable wearing cloth when they go out, but are getting there bit by bit! So far, it’s been really helpful given the high costs of diapers!” she wrote.
As the conflict continues, its unclear how long these refugees will need to continue sheltering in Claudia’s home. She said they use Google translate to overcome language barriers, and have adjusted to the extra activity that an additional 5 people brings to one home.
“It's really difficult for them to go from having completely independent lives to feel like a burden. The amount of times they don't want to interfere and be discreet is amazing. One of the moms shares a queen bed with the 2 year old and the girl falls off the bed multiple times in the week (although I added a bed rail) so when I suggested to add a mattress on the floor or a toddler bed for her, she said ‘I rather be awoken by the cries of my child because she fell off the bed than because we are being bombed.”
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As Jake’s continues to grow, we want to shed light on the diversity of the impact we make. Our partners include 501c3, school-based and faith-based groups that serve a diverse set of community needs, from foster care to afterschool programs, family needs and domestic abuse shelters, refugee work, poverty support, cancer patient programs and more.
These collaborations mean partners can re-allocate time and money to instead focusing on their programs, while meeting human needs in the community.
Today we are highlighting our partnership with Lakeshore Foster Families, a Manitowoc County based, all-volunteer 501c3 that supports “foster and kinship children and the families who care for them by raising awareness and providing resources and support,” according to its website. In 2021, the program served 55 foster families and 170 children in foster homes.
Among the items foster families require are often, of course, diapers as well as feminine hygiene products. Lakeshore Foster Families and Friends receive diapers, pullups, wipes, and feminine hygiene products from Jake's.
“Without this service, we would only help supply these items one time to new placements,” said Board President Molly Stolp. “This has had a huge impact on our families. In 2021, through this program, we were able to supply 706 packages of diapers, pullups, or feminine hygiene products. We are grateful.”
Foster families echoed the help our partnership provides. Here’s just a few words from foster families in the program:
"We foster two children and this has helped offset monthly expenses. It makes fostering less burdensome financially.”
"It is one less thing that I have to worry about buying every month and every little bit helps.’
"Being able to give our foster kids the same love and support as our biological children.”
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Family Health La Clinica Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) Program offers support to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC's mission is to safeguard the health of families who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
During the pandemic there was a need to remove barriers to receiving support. Aside from healthy food, the second biggest expense in raising healthy children is diapers.
“Especially now more than ever, families are struggling with food insecurity, childcare cost and shutdowns due to COVID making it difficult for families to maintain steady jobs, rising cost of rent and utilities,” said Michelle Burington, WIC Project Nutritionist.
WIC partnered with Jake’s to offer two diaper drive thrrough events, one in Marquette County at the Health Department, and one in Waushara County at Family Health La Clinica.
“Because of the pandemic we are not conducting in person appointments, but wanted to find a way to continue to show our participants we are here for them and advocating for them.”
Jake’s was able to supply WIC with diapers sizes N to 5 and a supply of pullups. Between the 2 events over 120 families and gave each child within each family 100 diapers.
“We are so thankful to be able to partner with Jake's to be able to provide a more comprehensive service to our participants. This was the first time we have done something like this and it was great to see such a good turnout, showing the need is definitely there. We hope to continue partnering with Jake’s and to continue to host events like this in the future.”
We always say, we are all just one circumstance away from needing help. That’s why we’ve focused on a variety of basic living needs, in order to respond to the various ways individuals need a lift.
At our core will always be our hygiene programs, providing the pathway for all to care for their personal needs. Our expansion into more basic living essentials, from home goods to school supplies to shampoo, allows us to help individuals at a personal level.
A recent partnership that did just want was with the Giving Tree Food pantry that serves the students of Howard-Suamico School District. Here are a few comments from people helped through this partnership.
Diapers + Personal hygiene needs
“My family has lived on a small budget the past couple of years and the pandemic definitely hurt us. My husband’s job was essential but I had to quit my job to stay home with our 3 children due to schools not being in person 5 days a week and daycare not available. We have been using a food pantry for staple foods but were also offered diapers and personal hygiene products. I was so thankful to get diapers, this helps us put that money towards our rent. We are trying very hard to pay our bills and know that we are blessed by people around us. Thank you, Jake’s!" — Tracy
Summer toys
“This summer I was given a toy for each of my 4 kids from Jake’s Unplug and Play donation. My kids were so excited to receive a board game, Legos and basketball. Our oldest wanted a basketball for his birthday so that worked out great. Our money has been tight, it was so nice to see my kids smile. I am thankful that people donate and care about us.” — Kim
More about the program
“The Giving Tree food pantry has always had difficulty getting diapers and feminine care products at a reasonable price, so partnering with Jake’s Network of Hope has been a blessing to us and the families we serve. We are now able to offer diapers and period products to all of our families. These are families who are struggling to get by and these items can be expensive and are needed on a day to day or month to month basis, so receiving them each month helps alleviate some financial burden. We are truly grateful for the support of donors and organizations like Jake’s!” – Angela, The Giving Tree Food Pantry supervisor
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As the year comes to a close, its a great time to reflect on all the good that has gone on during 2021. We've heard from so many parents, families and organizations positively impacted through our programs - all fueled by your ongoing support.
Year to date through November 2021, we distributed 326,369 diapers to 7,854 children in need.
Here's a few quotes from the people positively served throughout the year.
“Diapers are expensive and often hard to find in Uganda, especially for older children. Jake’s help has allowed us to spend money on other important things. Our kids are much happier and healthier when they have clean, functioning diapers to rely on. Opening a box of diapers from Jake’s feels like opening presents on Christmas. It’s a relief to know that something so important is taken care of. We are extremely grateful for Jake’s help!”
— Alyssa McIntyre of Ekisa Ministries
“Partnering with Jake’s Network of Hope has been a blessing to us and the families we serve. We are now able to offer diapers and period products to all of our families. These are families who are struggling to get by and these items can be expensive and are needed on a day to day or month to month basis, so receiving them each month helps alleviate some financial burden. We are truly grateful for the support of donors and organizations like Jake’s!”
— Angela Klumb, The Giving Tree Food Pantry supervisor
“Jakes is a wonderful opportunity to expand the impact we make because its one-stop shopping at 20% of retail or even less. We’ve actually encouraged our people to give money instead of shopping. There’s just so many opportunities.”
— Deb Stephany, Our Savior Oshkosh/Feeding Hungry Kids
This summer I was given a toy for each of my 4 kids from Jake’s Unplug and Play donation. My kids were so excited to receive a board game, Legos and basketball. Our oldest wanted a basketball for his birthday so that worked out great. Our money has been tight, it was so nice to see my kids smile. I am thankful that people donate and care about us.
— Kim, product recipient
"My family has lived on a small budget the past couple of years and the pandemic definitely hurt us. My husband’s job was essential but I had to quit my job to stay home with our 3 children due to schools not being in person 5 days a week and daycare not available. We have been using a food pantry for staple foods but were also offered diapers and personal hygiene products. I was so thankful to get diapers, this helps us put that money towards our rent. We are trying very hard to pay our bills and know that we are blessed by people around us. Thank you Jake’s!"
— Tracy, product recipient
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