South San Francisco Firefighters Launch Diaper Drive to Support Local

South San Francisco Firefighters Launch Diaper Drive to Support Local Families in Need 

Community diaper drive launches to ease rising costs  

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 27, 2025 – A new partnership between the South San Francisco Fire Department and the YMCA Community Resource Center aims to help struggling families meet one of the most essential needs for their young children: diapers. 

The average cost of a disposable diaper in the U.S. is approximately $0.29 per diaper, which translates to about $70 per month or $840 per year for a single baby, according to a study by Cross River Therapy. 

The YMCA Community Resource Center, which oversees the City’s Rental Assistance Program, had previously partnered with a nonprofit that provided diapers at a deeply discounted rate. When that nonprofit lost its grant funding last year, the YMCA was forced to purchase diapers at full market price—significantly reducing the quantity available for distribution. This has left many families needing to use their already limited income to cover the gap. 

To help meet the need, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1507 – South San Francisco, applied for and received a community grant from Genentech. With this grant, donation bins will be placed at three South San Francisco fire stations and one Genentech daycare facility, offering secure collection points for community diaper donations. 

“We saw a critical need and wanted to step in to support the families who rely on the YMCA,” said Dietrich Gale, President of IAFF Local 1507. “This program allows the community to directly help families facing financial hardship—and it starts with something as simple and meaningful as a box of diapers.” 

Donated diapers will be collected daily by the City’s Fire Courier as part of their regular route and stored at a City facility. YMCA staff will then access the diapers and distribute them directly to families in need. 

“This initiative is a true example of what makes South San Francisco special,” said Mark Nagales, Councilmember for District 2. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors, and we’re incredibly grateful to our Fire Department and to Genentech for making this possible.” 

“Every diaper we distribute represents more than just a basic need—it’s a moment of relief for a parent, and a healthier start for a child,” said Elida Sobalvarro, Director of the YMCA Community Resource Center. “Thanks to this partnership, we’re able to meet families with compassion and provide support that preserves both their well-being and their dignity. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this possible.” 

Community members can begin donating new, unopened diaper boxes at the launch event: the Touch A Truck celebration, happening Saturday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Fire Station 61 (480 N Canal St). Families are invited to explore fire trucks, police vehicles, public works rigs, and more while helping local families—one diaper at a time. 

For a list of ongoing diaper donation locations and program updates, visit https://www.ssf.net/Events/Touch-A-Truck  

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About the City of South San Francisco  

The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.