ELGIN, S.C. — The rising cost of goods is creating a challenge for parents looking to get the necessary items for their kids.
According to a study by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), one in two families in the United States with young children struggle to afford diapers.
For those living in rural areas, United for Baby, a nonprofit serving the region, says the challenge can be even greater.
Jerri-Kalyn Jefferson, an Elgin mom, knows the struggle firsthand, after giving birth to her son Carter.
Now 18 and still in school, she said, getting him all that he needs isn't always easy.
“It's hard being a young mom," Jefferson said. "So, I did need a little help considering the fact that I wasn't, you know, I'm not working. So, I'm not able to provide everything that I need for my baby.”
Jefferson's far from alone in her struggle, according to the NDBN. The organization found nearly half of families reported having a hard time paying for diapers with 28% reportedly skipping meals to pay for the product.
"I remember meeting with a family who insisted on like, meeting me on a Wednesday, and I was like, why Wednesday? Well, Wednesday was the day Elgin was giving out food downtown," United for Baby Founder Shameka Huff said.
Huff's organization has been working with Jefferson and others in York, Lancaster, Chester, and Kershaw counties. She said providing the assistance is personal, after becoming a foster parent to teen girls.
"I asked the social worker one day, how does she get diapers when she leaves my home?" Huff said. "The social worker didn’t have an answer.”
There's a stigma around diaper need that Huff said she's hoping to break, as costs increase leaving some families feeling alone in their struggle.
"We're here, judgment-free, stigma-free, to make sure that if you have a need for diapers, you can get your diapers," Huff said.
The support has been essential for Jefferson, she said.
"I don't always have, you know, the money to afford the diapers," Jefferson said. "So, when people can give you stuff, it’s a blessing.”
United for Baby serves those in South Carolina. For those in need of assistance for diapers in the Charlotte region the NC Diaper Bank has resources to assist.
United for Baby is participating in the Give Local campaign, supporting nonprofits in Lancaster and Chester counties.
While in-person giving has closed, there's still time for those interested in donating to give at GiveLocalSC.org.