Baby Basics

Thirty years ago, in her hometown in New Jersey, Jean Ann Lynch was a young mother experiencing parenthood and getting to know other families in the baby phase. She saw first-hand the many challenges that can accompany these first few years, especially financially.

She noted decisions made by some that were not healthy ones in the best interest of the baby. Leaving babies in wet or soiled diapers for lengthy periods of time to compensate for other financial demands, as the cost of diapers can be overwhelming.

The thought of a baby crying from diaper rash or falling ill due to an infection was too much and Lynch wanted to do something about it. Baby Basics was then founded, accompanied by its simple yet beautiful mission: Distribute diapers and kindness to low-income working families.

Starting in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Baby Basics has now grown to over ten other locations around the country. The location in Collier County has been in existence for over 20 years. The first distribution site was within Grace Place for Children and Families, and it remains one of the largest distribution sites to this day. Baby Basics is currently looking to launch another site in Lee County as well.

Executive Director Bonnie Thayer assumed her role a few months ago, with a background in early childhood education. She has been hitting the ground running with networking to local organizations and churches, and establishing relationships with local community leaders, all in an effort “To be able to support the families within our community that need help and are looking to be able to get out of difficult situations and circumstances.”

“We have 14 distribution sites in Collier County. On an annual basis, we distribute diapers to over 600 babies in any given year,” Thayer was pleased to share. “But it’s time to grow! Because there is much more need in our community.” She went on to state the fact that the National Diaper Bank Network has completed research and says that one out of every two U.S. families struggles with diaper need.

“We want to change that, and we want to help so that people aren't making choices that would either put their babies at risk of illness or infection.”

A common problem for families is that when their baby is sick, they are unable to go to work. Likewise, if the baby goes to daycare or childcare, if you do not provide diapers, they cannot stay. “Everything is connected to the essential needs of the baby.” Diapers are among the top for health and the ability to survive and thrive: “We want our babies to thrive.”

Then comes kindness, “We really want to be able to help the health of the baby, but we want to be kind to families because they need that, especially those that are struggling.

They are experiencing great challenges, and we want to say to them, ‘life is good.

Let us help,” Thayer said.

When a family reaches out, they will go through an application process. After their approval and registration, they are assigned a distribution site. This is determined by proximity to their residence or workplace. From there, they will be notified of dates and times for one diaper pick-up a month.

Thayer had nothing but positive remarks to make on the networking she has done on the Island so far, sharing that whether they are church staff or nonprofit volunteers, the desire to help Baby Basics with their mission has been very well received.

Baby Basics has seen a decline in low-income working families on Marco Island, but knows the need is ever present, and they want to get the word out that their services are available to those in need. “We need families to help.”

If you or someone you know may be in need, visit: www.babybasicscollier.org/apply/ to learn about the application process.

Diaper donations and volunteers are always welcome and needed. Interested persons may call Thayer directly or email at 239-537-4554 or bonnie@babybasicscollier.org.