Rep. Sanalitro recently concluded her third annual Diaper Drive, which ran through May 16, 2025, with donations accepted at her district office in Carol Stream. The drive focused on collecting diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials, and was supported by community members and local businesses. All donations were delivered to the Breakfast with a Baby program at Our Savior Lutheran Church, which provides free diapers, clothing, and baby gear to families in need during monthly events. In 2024 alone, the program served over 1,400 families and distributed more than 87,000 diapers to households across the region.
Rep. Spain, meanwhile, hosted his seventh annual Holiday Diaper Drive in December 2024, continuing a tradition that began after the birth of his first child. The drive collected over 14,000 diapers and 16,000 wipes, bringing the total number of diapers donated since the program’s inception to more than 82,500. Spain’s drive included a drive-thru donation event at Illinois Central College’s North Campus in Peoria, and donations were distributed to food pantries and crisis centers throughout the 73rd District, including locations in Peoria, Princeton, Chillicothe, Geneseo, Morrison, and Prophetstown, Toulon, and Spring Bay.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, nearly 1 in 2 families with young children in the U.S. struggle to afford enough diapers, and diaper costs can exceed $1,000 per year per child. The financial strain often forces families to choose between diapers and other essentials, and many parents report missing work or school due to the inability to provide diapers required by childcare providers.
“Programs like WIC and SNAP don’t cover diapers, rash creams, or other infant supplies,” Rep. Spain noted during his 2024 drive. “Diapers are an essential and often overlooked need for families struggling financially around the holidays”.
Rep. Sanalitro echoed that sentiment, praising the generosity of her constituents. “The support from our community has been amazing,” she said. “A big thank you to everyone who contributed to helping our neighbors and, most importantly, the babies in our district who need it the most.”
As diaper costs continue to rise and public programs fall short of covering these needs, community-led initiatives like these remain vital. Both Sanalitro and Spain have pledged to continue their efforts in 2026 and beyond, ensuring that families across Illinois have access to the supplies they need to keep their children clean, healthy, and safe.