Keeping Families Covered Donations

Keeping Families Covered is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Illinois that provides hygiene products for every age and stage of life. We distribute diapers, period supplies, and incontinence products to individuals and families through two channels: a network of community partners and direct service. Our mission is to eliminate the barriers to accessing the essentials that enable every person to fully participate in daily life. Our vision is that every family in Illinois will have equitable access to necessities that support their health, and dignity, at every age and stage of life. With offices in Lake County and McHenry County, Keeping Families Covered supports thousands of our neighbors with the basics they need to thrive.

Why hygiene products?

Diaper Need. Parenting and caregiving can be challenging, but it becomes more difficult when you lack access to basic necessities like diapers, period supplies, and incontinence products. Sadly, 1 in 2 families with young children experience diaper need. Safety net programs like SNAP and WIC do not cover diapers. With an average cost of $100 per child per month, diapers are an expense that many families struggle to afford. 

Period Poverty. Nearly half the population has a period, yet 2 in 5 individuals struggle to afford the products they need to manage their monthly cycle. In fact, 1 in 3 low-income people have reported missing work, school, and other events due to the lack of period supplies. Everyone deserves to have the essentials they need to stay clean, dry, and healthy---and the opportunity to fully participate in daily life. 

Incontinence Poverty. Incontinence is the fastest growing absorbent hygiene issue among adults, impacting the lives of over 25 million people. Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 incontinent people feel isolated, depressed, or hopeless. In IL alone, 21% of adults are living in poverty and ~2.4 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid, which requires a prescription for incontinence supplies. Access to incontinence products should be effortless.

Keeping Families Covered helps to fill these critical gaps so our neighbors can healthfully participate in daily life. We distribute over 2,000,000 diapers and 500,000 period supplies every year to our community. We provide these necessities free of charge to the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Currently, we purchase 90% of the diapers and 50% of the period supplies for our program.

We rely on fundraising, monetary gifts, community drives, and product donations to keep our shelves stocked so that we can continue to meet the growing need. 

Your support ensures that we will continue providing individuals and families with the basics they need to thrive.