Diaper drive breaks record in annual fundraiser

By Patrick Lynn

An annual diaper drive sponsored by the United Way has brought in some big bucks—and a record number of donations.

The drive, held annually between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, is now in its 10th year. The United Way of Portage Co. took in $16,935 in cash and diapers this year.

“We are astounded by the generosity of our community members, and grateful that local businesses and groups continue to support community efforts,” said Stephany Nellessen Zeyadeh, community engagement coordinator for the organization.

Zeyadeh said many local charitable agencies have identified the inability to afford diapers as a top issue facing struggling families. Insufficient diaper supplies can result in health issues for infants and toddlers whose diapers aren’t changed as often as they should be, as well as create barriers to accessing childcare, she said.

But diapers are not the only stressor for local families. For the first time, the United Way will use some of the funds raised to purchase infant formula for families in need.

“We recognize the need and predict that as formula makes its way back to the shelves, we will find that caregivers continue to struggle with obtaining formula due to the cost,” she said.

For more information about the Community Diaper Drive or other United Way of Portage County programs, please visit https://www.unitedwaypoco.org/, or call the office at 715-341-6740.

Community members in need should call United Way’s 211 phone number to find out where they can get assistance.