Haverford High School’s Diaper Dry’ve collected 9,300 diapers to donate to Cradles to Crayons in the 7th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign that culminated on October 29. Diaper Dry’ve is a club at Haverford whose purpose is to solicit contributions of diapers, as well as money, from the high school and elementary schools over the span of a month. When the drive ended, club members filled a school bus with the diapers and delivered them to this year’s beneficiary, Cradles to Crayons.

The organization of such a complex campaign required the club’s officers – Junior Jade May, Junior Ella Mottola, Senior Anabel Keagy, and Senior Abigail Wright – to begin the planning process during the summer and finalize it in September. This year, the club had approximately 75 members who helped advertise the drive, decorate boxes for the elementary schools, and collect donations at a home football game. A few members accompanied the officers in the “Stuff the Bus” and delivery.

Countless boxes of diapers were stacked in the main office before being packed into the bus on the way to Cradles to Crayons. 

Diapers are an imperative part of many families’ lives, which is why it is important for Haverford to take part in aiding the community. An article from the Washington Post explains, “Food stamps can’t be spent on diapers. Medicaid doesn’t cover them. Special nutritional benefits for mothers and infants don’t come with diapers, either. Federal assistance is designed to help poor families with nearly every essential need from housing to health care, but diapers – a product fundamental to child health that no baby can do without – aren’t included.” This collection will help many families and their babies. 

Anabel Keagy, a senior officer of the club, said, “I really liked the idea of [the Diaper Dry’ve] and wanted to join a community service club,” when asked why she joined the organization. Keagy described her favorite part of the process as being able to count all the diapers at the end of the drive. Collections were obtained through drop-off boxes in the school and via Venmo.

Although Diaper Dry’ve is active only during the month of October, many families in need greatly benefit from the hard work and dedication of the club members and their supporters.