Source: OC Register / Theresa Walker
The cost of diapers has become a political issue in California.
Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a series of bills that included eliminating the sales tax on disposable diaper purchases – which could have saved families an estimated $100 a year. Brown cited concern about eliminating revenue from a precariously balanced state budget.
A second bill Brown is considering would provide a monthly $50 stipend to parents in the CalWORKS welfare program for the purchase of diapers. If approved, the state benefit would be the first of its kind in the nation.
Helping bridge a little bit of the affordability gap for some Orange County families are two diaper banks that distribute free or low-cost diapers.
One of those diaper banks, Clear Charity in Orange, will be the focus of a charity event later this month at The District at Tustin Legacy.
Participating merchants at the Tustin shopping center will help boost Clear Charity’s stockpile of diapers by offering on Sept. 29 discounts on purchases and gift items to shoppers in exchange for donations of packaged disposable diapers.
Shop for Charity will run 5 to 8 p.m. and will include a free reception for shoppers, featuring light food and wine.
Shoppers are asked to drop off a dozen or more diapers at collection boxes. A list of participating retailers and other information can be found under the Events & Promotions section of the shopping center’s website,thedistricttl.com.
Vendors at the shopping center have begun making their own donations, said Edie Trott, marketing director for The District at Tustin Legacy. “Diapers are starting to roll into our office now.”
Founded in 2014, Clear Charity began providing diapers to low-income families in May by offering up to 50 percent off wholesale prices or 50 diapers free per month, depending on income.