CRC & MWC partner with Chelsea Diaper Bank to serve local families

Shelves of diapers from the First Congregational Church Diaper Bank in Chelsea. Photo from FCC Diaper Bank’s website.

submitted by Carol Wotring, Executive Director of CRC

Good news for Manchester families with young children: Accessing diapers just became a whole lot easier thanks to a new partnership between the Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) and the First Congregational Church Diaper Bank in Chelsea.

At the May 27 Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC) meeting, Sandy Andresen from the FCC Diaper Bank shared details about this valuable community resource and the growing need for diaper assistance in our area. Her presentation highlighted how this partnership is already making a difference for local families.

Bringing Diapers Closer to Home

Starting in April, we began working with the FCC Diaper Bank to bring this essential service directly to Manchester. Here’s how it works: CRC pantry clients who have children under age 5 can now order diapers through the Community Resource Center. Our staff and volunteers then make trips to Chelsea to pick up the diapers and distribute them locally, eliminating transportation barriers that previously prevented some families from accessing this resource.

Families can receive diapers every two weeks, providing consistent support for one of childhood’s most basic needs. While Manchester residents are still welcome to visit the Diaper Bank directly in Chelsea, the limited hours and distance created real challenges for some families. This partnership removes those obstacles.

We are excited to offer this service to the community. Diapers are expensive, and for families already struggling to make ends meet, this support can make a real difference in their monthly budget.

Community Support Makes It Possible

Recognizing the importance of this new service, the Manchester Wellness Coalition (MWC) voted to award a $500 sponsorship grant to support the partnership. The MWC is a volunteer group that decides how $30,000 a year of funding from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation is used for local grants and sponsorships. This funding will help ensure the program continues to serve Manchester families effectively.

Both the CRC and the FCC Diaper Bank expressed their gratitude for the Coalition’s support. This sponsorship demonstrates how the community comes together to support families in need.

A Growing Need

Andresen’s presentation underscored that the need for diaper assistance continues to grow. Diapers aren’t covered by federal nutrition assistance programs, leaving many families to choose between diapers and other necessities. The cost of diapers represents a significant expense for any family budget.

The FCC Diaper Bank has been serving the region for several years, funded by private donations and grants, but the Manchester partnership represents an important expansion of their reach. By working with established community organizations like the CRC, they can serve more families while reducing barriers to access.

How to Access Services

Manchester families interested in diaper assistance can contact the Community Resource Center to learn more about eligibility and how to place orders. We continue to operate our food pantry and other services alongside this new diaper program.

This partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes Manchester’s support network so strong. When community organizations work together, they can accomplish far more than any single group working alone.

For more information about the Manchester Community Resource Center’s services, including the new diaper program, contact us at 734-428-7722 or visit during regular pantry hours.

To make a donation to support the FCC Diaper Bank, visit the First Congregational Church website, chelseafcc.com/diaper-bank/

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.