The percentage of Kalamazoo children living in households that don’t earn enough to support their families.

48%

Almost half of all children in Kalamazoo are part of families earning an income below the ALICE income threshold and struggle to afford the essentials. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households that earn less than the basic cost of living for our county.

How It Gets Done

We distribute diapers and period supplies to young people from childhood to young adulthood to ensure they always have what they need. 

The products we distribute arrive at our warehouse in two ways:

  • Community members donate boxes of diapers, wipes, and period supplies.

  • We purchase products in bulk at a discount.

Volunteers repackage all products into:

  • A week’s supply of diapers and baby wipes 

  • Monthly period kits, accounting for our recipients' varying ages and product preferences 

We then deliver these packages to our distribution partners, who give them to the folks they work with and ensure we reach BIPOC youth. We benefit from the expertise of partner organizations who understand the needs of young people and the best methods to get them the diapers and period products they need. 

A Black woman holds a bundle of tampons in front the Kalamazoo skyline.

Why We Do It

Diapers and period supplies are essential for health and well-being, but earning a low income prevents caregivers from being able to provide what their children need. And BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant youth and caregivers face the most significant barriers to meeting those needs.

At Care Collective, we believe access to basic essentials is a human right. Caregivers deserve peace of mind from knowing their children’s needs are met. Join us to help eliminate diaper and period product need in our community.

A Black woman holds a package of Cuties brand diapers up to the sky.