County proclaims National Diaper Need Awareness Week; diaper banks report serving hundreds of families

Clallam County commissioners on Aug. 26 proclaimed Sept. 15–21, 2025, as National Diaper Need Awareness Week and encouraged donations to local diaper banks.

The proclamation, approved on the consent agenda, noted that diaper need — the inability to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers — can affect child health and family economic stability. County staff briefed the board that local organizations including First Step Family Support Center, Lutheran Community Services, the Diaper Depot partners at the YMCA, Jamestown Healing Clinic and Killeuth Health Center distribute diapers and related supplies.

At the meeting, a representative of a local diaper bank said First Step Family Support Center served more than 700 families in the last year and reported families sometimes skip meals or miss work to afford diapers. The representative said volunteers and the sheriff's office will support a September community diaper drive, and commissioners noted that a county policy requires board approval for county-hosted community fundraising; approval of the proclamation constituted that authorization.

Why it matters: diaper access is tied to early-childhood health and the ability of parents to access childcare and work. The proclamation aims to increase awareness and encourage community donations.

Next steps: Local diaper banks will run a September diaper drive; the county said the sheriff's office will drop off donation boxes in coordination with nonprofit partners.

Ending: Commissioners thanked the diaper bank volunteers and encouraged residents to donate diapers, wipes and funds to local distribution partners.