West Side Community Services and Every Bottom Covered open West Side Diaper Bank

Two organizations working together to provide free diapers to west side families through WSCS’s Provisions 139 market-style food pantry

Earlier this week, local elected representatives joined executives from West Side Community Services and Every Bottom Covered to open a new diaper bank for west side families.

The West Side Diaper Bank is a collaboration between West Side Community Services’ Provisions 139 food pantry and Every Bottom Covered, the area’s first diaper bank.

“Ending diaper need is so important to creating a thriving and healthy community, and we couldn’t be more excited to work to help families on the West Side,” said Raziya Hill, founder and executive director of Every Bottom Covered. “West Side Community Services already has such amazing services available for their clients, and we are grateful to collaborate and add diapers to help families cover their babies' bottoms.”

The diaper bank, housed inside Provisions 139 at 139 Vermont St., Buffalo, will serve residents of ZIP codes 14201, 14209, 14213 and 14222 – the same ZIP codes typically served by the pantry. Families will be able to pick up 25 diapers twice a month (once from the 1st through the 14th and once from the 15th through the end of the month). Customers visiting the diaper bank will be invited to pick up fresh produce, meats, fish and shelf-stable staples that the pantry also stocks.

“This new service will have a huge impact at Provisions 139,” said Crystal Selk, executive director at West Side Community Services. “We have always envisioned that our pantry would offer provisions beyond food, and we’re grateful to be able to stock diapers thanks to this partnership. We know that our community has needs beyond putting food on the table, and this is a great step toward working to fill some of those other physical needs.”

Families will need to register for the diaper bank by bringing valid photo ID, birth certificates for their children, and proof of residence in the eligible ZIP codes to their first visit. The diaper bank will be open during normal pantry hours on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m.

Assembly member Jon D. Rivera said, "West Side Community Services offers an invaluable set of resources for our neighborhood, and the West Side Diaper Bank is a terrific extension that will progress the organization’s goal of providing aid for residents beyond ensuring their kitchens are full. Now more than ever, our neighbors need our help acquiring vital supplies for their newborns, and I thank WSCS and Every Bottom Covered for their collaboration to bring this needed diaper bank to fruition."

Niagara District Council member David Rivera said, “We know raising children can be expensive, but it's not until you purchase your first pack of diapers that you realize just how expensive it is. West Side Community Services has done a great job recognizing this need in the community and including this item among other necessities at their food pantry, ensuring this most basic of needs is met for our youngest community members.”

“Our strength is in partnerships like this one,” Selk said. “As a community center, we want to offer as many resources as we can to our neighbors. Our amazing small team does a lot, but can’t personally provide everything that everyone needs. That’s why we’re always seeking out new partners to bring in the services and resources that West Side Community Services can’t offer on our own. We already love working with Every Bottom Covered and know so many families will benefit from this collaboration.”

From left: Crystal Selk, Raziya Hill and Assembly member Jon Rivera. (Submitted photo)

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A press release said, “West Side Community Services fosters the stability, security and well-being of our vibrant and dynamic community by engaging, connecting and supporting its residents. WSCS offers youth programs, programs for older adults, and operates Provisions 139, a market-style food pantry.

“Every Bottom Covered addresses diaper need in Western New York. By providing diapers, wipes and other baby needs to families, and building partnerships with other organizations working toward the greater good, Every Bottom Covered helps address an unmet need and raise awareness of those costs included in community, city and state funding decisions.”