JOURNEYS: CNY Diaper Bank's Michela Hugo

CNYdiaperbankorg

Photographs by Caden Ackerman

"There's no limit to what we, as a human race could accomplish, if all children had the chance to live up to their potential. Diapers may seem like a small thing, but they're really a critical thing... and they're a huge expense for families."

-Michela

A Call to Action

When Michela heard that diapers weren't covered by government assistance she knew in her heart she had to do something. After her third child was born, Michela began her mission to provide this essential item to young mothers in the Syracuse area.

In 2016, Michela organized their first diaper drive and collected over 23,000 diapers. Utilizing space in her husband's office, Michela teamed up with local agencies and began the distribution process.

Now working with nearly 40 agencies and having collected and distributed millions of diapers, Michela is so grateful to be a part of an organization filled with dedicated, giving people.

Pandemic

The last two years was a unique experience and though they still collected a good amount of diapers it was not near the amount compared to pre-pandemic collections.

Due to stockpiling as well as manufacturing and distribution hold-ups, many couldn't find diapers to purchase. The Diaper Bank found themselves in uncharted waters. Fortunately, through funding and the opening up of special grants, Michela and her team remain diligent. "This support has helped keep the diaper supply going, but this isn't without concern or struggle. The economy is struggling, and when the economy struggles so do the families we support," shares Michela.

We Are All Connected

The baby's mind is wired, even at a young age and to be able to provide a clean diaper, and give not only that child that comfort, but to ease the burden on an already struggling family. We need to remember, "the children in our community are all of our children, not just their children, we're all connected", states Michela

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CNYDiaperBank.org

What can you do to help?

Community Commitment

Michela wanted to share her experience with Seneca Savings and through the years how involved the bank has been. "Seneca savings, has been involved with the diaper bank for years and every Mother's Day, they run a community wide diaper drive at their branches.

They spread the word, they put CNY Diaper Bank on their website. They put signage throughout their branches. They email their customers and they encourage people to make donations to bring in diapers.

Every year they, they truly dig in and make a huge effort to make an impact. They're one of the few local businesses that I feel takes it to that level.

We are just extraordinarily grateful for their efforts and for their ability to spread the word" says Michela.

Involvement

Michela shares her experience with Seneca Savings and Senior VP of Retail Banking, Laurie Ucher. The sincerity and partnership that's been created rings loud and clear.

"Laurie and the bank's participation has been critical. Laurie knows from experience as a single mom, how crucial this effort is. She really wanted to be involved since the beginning.

"When families are given help with diapers, it's not a handout, it's a hand up" - Michela

It started with the Make A Mother's Day Diaper Drive at Seneca Savings. Since then, she's brought in volunteers and even her family members! Laurie has gotten involved in our board as the Treasurer and Secretary. We're just very fortunate to have her as part of our team.

I think Seneca Savings cares deeply about the community that they serve. Laurie's a direct reflection of that. They care deeply about families, and they recognize the difference they can make."

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