Crittenton Centers Offers Free Diapers And Formula For Curbside Pickup

The Peoria-based child welfare organization Crittenton Centers is offering free curbside pick up of formula and diapers for parents in need.

Sandy Garza, Crittenton's development and marketing director, said the Crisis Nursery is limited in its service due to the "shelter-in-place" order. But they still want to ensure families have what they need.

"We know that a lot of the people we serve don't have the ability or transportation to go to three or four stores to look for these things right now,” she said. “Also, they might not have the funds. That happens even when a pandemic is not going on. But I'm sure this elevates the concern and fear."

Pick up will be held every Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crisis Nursery on John Gwynn Jr. Avenue.

Garza said on one day alone, Crittenton distributed more than 1,050 diapers and 33 containers of formula.

She said those interested in donating supplies for needy families can do so on Crittenton’s website. There’s a Walmart registry set up to have items sent directly to the Crisis Nursery. Donors can also text “GIVE2KIDS” to 44321.

“Some people have said ‘Well, I have three cans of formula in my house that are unopened and two boxes of size four diapers my kid has grown out of that I would like to donate,’” Garza said. “We can accept those donations in the front lobby and then we have a staff member who sanitizes all of them.”

In addition to giving away supplies, the Crisis Nursery is offering a 24/7 hotline. Garza said parents in need can call (309)674-3125 and get assistance for questions ranging from “where can I find diapers?” to “how do I handle a crying baby?”

She said Crittenon’s Family Services Division will also maintain a team of parent educators, which usually do home visits to help people “be the best parents they can be.” Those services will still be offered via telecommunication.

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