Iowa City service gives cloth diapers to families in need

IOWA CITY — Many parents say using cloth diapers is much less expensive than using disposable ones.

But some people have difficulty paying for cloth diapers. There is a service in the Corridor, however, that can help.

Share the Love was founded in 2012 in St. Louis by Jennifer Labit, the CEO of Cotton Babies. It aims to distribute cotton diapers to low-income households.

Although there are several sites around the country with Share the Love exchanges, the only one in Iowa is based in Iowa City.

Elizabeth Harker of Oxford, a mother of five, started hosting the Iowa City exchange eight months ago.

'I serve Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the surrounding areas within an approximately 40 mile radius,' Harker said. C

Diapers are given to those who can show proof of enrollment in an assistance program such as WIC or TANF. They are not a gift, but a loan, with the expectation the diapers will eventually be returned and lent out to the next family in need, Harker said.

'The participants need to be choosing between diapering their children or other necessities such as groceries or utility bills,' she said.

The exchange relies upon donations of either new or used cotton diapers. Harker said she has several people who help her pick up used diapers, make new diapers and inserts and do repairs.

'I get a lot of microfiber and it can't be used against skin, so they add a layer of flannel,' Harker said.

Harker said even old receiving blankets and kitchen towels can be transformed into cotton diapers.

Those who wish to donate cloth diapers can set up a time for Harker or others to pick them up. Harker also has arranged for a collection bin at Itsy Bitsy Boutique in North Liberty.

'It's hard for people to people to plan a meeting time,' Harker said. 'They work or I might be busy with the kids. It would be really nice to have a place in Cedar Rapids where people could drop diapers off as well. It's a lot more convenient and it's easier for people to do on their own time.'

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about donating or receiving diapers from the Share The Love Cloth Diaper Bank, email sharethelove@cottonbabies.com. You can also learn more at cottonbabieslove.com.

l Comments: (319) 368-8502; francie.williamson@thegazette.com