For the second consecutive year, a massive volunteer effort will tackle a chronic need among low-income families by gathering 75,000 donated infant and toddler diapers from across Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties.

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) is spearheading the drive, which will bring together regional businesses and volunteers to gather, repackage, and deliver the diapers to more than 30 nonprofit agencies that will then distribute the diapers to families in need. Community members can donate diapers May 1-14.

With strong community support, last year’s drive easily exceeded its 50,000-diaper goal. That prompted United Way to up the goal for 2018.

“The United Way Diaper Drive tackles a chronic need in a collective way,” said Natalie Saucedo, Community Impact Associate. “Families in or near poverty struggle to afford diapers for babies. In fact, one in three families experience diaper need every day. That means some babies are left in a diaper for longer than they should be, and that puts their health at risk.

“By coming together as a region, we can relieve a big financial stress on families while helping babies stay healthy,” Saucedo added.

One of UWBCKR’s goals is to improve the region’s infant mortality rate for babies of color or from low-income families. Those infants face a higher risk of death in their first year. In fact, African-American babies in the region are more likely to die before their first birthday than are babies in Libya, Mexico and other developing countries.

While diaper drives aren’t unusual, the United Way Diaper Drive is unique in its broad, diverse scope of participants and in its goal to gather 75,000 diapers, Saucedo said.

Some Diaper Drive sponsors will serve as drop-off sites for anyone wishing to donate diapers, while participating agencies and businesses will gather diapers donated within their workplaces. All sizes are welcome; sizes 2-5 are most in demand.

“While 75,000 diapers won’t solve the problem, they’ll make a real, immediate difference for thousands of infants and toddlers across our communities,” said Saucedo. “We’re calling on everyone in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region to support the drive and help our most vulnerable residents.”

Sponsors of the United Way Diaper Drive are UWBCKR, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Molina Healthcare, OnStaff Group, Pfizer, Two Men and a Truck, and Townsquare Media/WKFR 103.3.

How to Get Involved

Donated diapers can be dropped off during normal business hours at the following locations:
• OnStaff Group: 565 W. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek; 5207 Portage Road, Portage.
• Kellogg Community Credit Union: 41 Second St., Battle Creek; 51 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek; 1425 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek; 6427 B Dr. N, Battle Creek; 2925 W. Dickman Rd., Battle Creek; 15877 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall; 5067 Gull Road, Kalamazoo; 499 Romence Rd., Portage; 1650 S. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo.

Diapers also can be dropped off at United Way offices at 34 W. Jackson St., Battle Creek; and 709 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo.

Those wishing to make a cash gift to help purchase diapers can text DIAPER to 41444 or contact United Way at (269) 343-2524.