written by Denise Willoughby and Rev. Corey Read
Since February 2024, Salem UMC has distributed almost 23,000 diapers to 78 families in Saline County. The Salem Community Diaper Pantry is a ministry of Salem United Methodist Church in Benton and was started to help struggling families in their community by reducing their cost for diapers. The Diaper Pantry is free and open to all residents in Central Arkansas.
“We wanted to open a diaper distribution center that was open to everyone in the county regardless of economic status. We want to be known as a church that supports families in our community,” said Rev. Dan Read, pastor of Salem UMC. Rev. Read knows first-hand how expensive diapers are, having welcomed a son to his family almost a year ago.
The impact on these families is immeasurable, however. The Salem Community Diaper Pantry has helped to offset the cost of diapers for families who are fostering children, for grandmothers raising their grandchildren, and for mothers who have just $15 left to make it to the end of the month.
How to Get Diapers:
Pre-registration is required and is due by the second Saturday of each month to receive diapers at the monthly distribution. Families can scan the QR code below or go online at bit.ly/SalemDiapers. A distribution is a half-month supply of diapers and a package of baby wipes (see guidelines below), and is contingent upon availability. So far, though, Salem UMC has been able to meet everyone’s needs and has not had to turn anyone away.
Diaper distributions are held on the third Saturday of each month between 10 am and 11 am at Salem UMC (located at 1647 Salem Road in Benton). Families simply drive up to the distribution area, present their photo ID, and volunteers bring the bags of diapers out to the cars.
Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Packages of diapers (any size) and baby wipes can be dropped off at the church office located at 1647 Salem Road in Benton. Financial gifts can be given by check (please write “Diaper Pantry” on the memo line) or online through Tithely by visiting sumcb.org/give and selecting “Salem Diaper Pantry”. For additional questions or more information, please email diaperpantry@sumcb.org or call Salem’s church office at (501) 316-2282.