ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Public Library announced on Monday the continuation and expansion of its Diapers & Dignity program, thanks to a $10,000 grant from Amazon Web Services’ 2024 St. Joseph Community Fund and funding from the SJCPL foundation.

"This funding will allow the SJCPL to extend its successful hygiene kit distribution program, launched in 2024 at the Western Branch in partnership with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, to include the LaSalle Branch in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority," a library spokesperson said.

"The Diapers & Dignity program addresses a critical community need by providing accessible hygiene kits, including menstrual health and hygiene supplies, through a self-service distribution model. Kits are available at both the Western and LaSalle branch locations."

To celebrate the expansion and as a way to thank AWS for the funding, the SJCPL is holding a public event to kick off the program at 10:30 a.m. on April 30 at its Western Branch.

Organizers say light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will receive one 10-pack of diapers per person, while supplies last.

Diapers will also be available on an ongoing basis at both locations while supplies last. Hygiene kits will be refreshed throughout the year while supplies last.

"Hygiene is fundamental to both physical health and personal dignity," said Daniel Lichty. "This generous grant from AWS allows us to further our mission of connecting our diverse community to essential resources and support."