Supporting Local Families: Our Community Diaper Drive with Square One

This March, our community partnered with the Springfield “Baby Bottoms” Diaper Bank—led by Square One—to support families right here in the Pioneer Valley. Through this collaborative effort, diapers and wipes help supply more than 1,200 families each year across the Springfield community. Thanks to the generosity of those who participated, this drive helped meet a very real and practical need for local children and parents.

How Our Community Helped

Throughout the month, diaper donations were collected in AIL’s residential lobbies- with many residents contributing packs in a variety of sizes and brands. Larger sizes were especially valuable, as they are often the hardest for families to afford. Each donation helped provide an essential item that many assistance programs don’t cover. In total, 28 packages of diapers were collected!

Why Square One Matters

Founded in 1883 by Harriett Merriam - daughter of Charles Merriam of Merriam-Webster - Square One began as Springfield Day Nursery in response to the growing need for childcare among working families. Today, the organization continues that legacy by providing early education and care, home-based childcare settings throughout greater Springfield, and out-of-school programs for elementary-aged children.

In addition to childcare, Square One offers parent education, support programs, home visitation, and personalized case management. These services help families access the resources they need to build strong foundations for their children. Fully licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Square One is committed to research-based solutions that promote education, health, safety, and holistic development.

At its heart, Square One believes that children thrive in healthy families - and families thrive in strong communities. Their work continues to focus on innovation, proactive care, and treating every person they serve with dignity and respect.

Thank You for Making a Difference

Thank you to everyone who participated in the diaper drive and helped support families in our region. Acts of generosity like these strengthen our community and remind us that even simple contributions can have a meaningful impact.