The count is in! During the first two weeks of May, the second annual United Way Diaper Drive brought in thousands of diapers in a massive effort that is already helping families in our region.

Area businesses, volunteers, nonprofits and individuals joined together to collect, repackage and distribute 55,415 diapers that went out to more than 30 agencies serving families and young children. While short of the goal, thousands of babies will benefit from the donated diapers.

“We’re so grateful for all of our partners in this drive for raising awareness about United Way’s goal to reduce the infant mortality rate and making an immediate impact for local families,” said Natalie Saucedo, Community Impact Associate. “The gift of diapers helps keep babies dry and healthy, and can also provide a small reprieve for families struggling to make ends meet. That’s more money they’ll have for other necessities like bills, groceries or medicine.”

A lack of clean diapers puts babies at risk for disease, Saucedo added, and additional stress on families who are struggling to make ends meet.  As many as 1 in 3 local families experience difficulty affording diapers.

Kellogg Community Credit Union and OnStaff Group served as public collection sites in both Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Little Chick Shoe Shop and Little Sprout Boutique were retail collection partners in Kalamazoo, and Once Upon A Child held a collection in Battle Creek. Other businesses and organizations held internal drives that raised both diapers and dollars.

More than 30 volunteers from companies including Bronson, OnStaff, FabriKal, Abraxas, St. Luke’s Diaper Bank and PNC Bank gathered over two days to sort, repackage and fulfill requests from agencies. A group of 19 students joined the effort as part of United Way’s Youth Day of Caring.

“It was great to be able to build on the success of last year’s drive,” Saucedo said, “and we look to continue making an impact on family and infant health through events like the Diaper Drive and more.”

Thank you to this year’s Diaper Drive sponsors: Pfizer, Kellogg Community Credit Union, OnStaff Group, Molina Healthcare, Two Men and a Truck and Townsquare Media.

If you missed the donation window, there’s still time! You can donate online HERE.

PHOTOS: Click here to see photos from the 2018 United Way Diaper Drive!