JACKSON, Mich. — A massive volunteer effort will tackle a chronic need among low-income families in Jackson County.
United Way of Jackson County (UWJC) is spearheading the United Way Diaper Drive Presented By Henry Ford Allegiance Health to gather and deliver diapers to five local nonprofit partners. Those agencies will then distribute the diapers to families in need. The partners are Catholic Charities, Child Care Network, Family Service & Children’s Aid, Jackson Housing Commission, and the Salvation Army of Jackson County.
Community members can donate infant and toddler diapers during the Diaper Drive, which happens March 11-22.
“The Diaper Drive represents what United Way is all about: bringing together the community to tackle specific problems for financially challenged families,” said Ken Toll, President and CEO of UWJC.
For families in or near poverty, something as simple as diapers for babies are a source of financial stress, Toll said. Some families are forced to leave their baby in a diaper for longer than they should. That puts an infant’s health at risk.
“Low-income families face lots of challenges. Keeping their babies healthy shouldn’t be one of them,” said Toll. “By providing diapers, we can help keep babies healthy and help their families focus on building financial stability.”
Donated diapers can be dropped off during normal business hours at the following locations:
• United Way of Jackson County, 536 N. Jackson St.
• Henry Ford Allegiance Health Cafeteria, 205 N. East Ave.; One Jackson Square Lobby, 100 E. Michigan Ave.; and the Orthopedic/Neuroscience Center Lobby, 1201 E. Michigan Ave.
• CP Federal Credit Union and County National Bank, all Jackson County locations.
• Western High School, 1400 S. Dearing Road, Parma.
If you don’t have time to buy and drop off diapers, you can support the Diaper Drive financially. Text DIAPER to 91999. Every dollar donated will go to purchasing diapers.
Sponsors of the Diaper Drive include UWJC, Henry Ford Allegiance Health, CP Federal Credit Union, County National Bank, and Two Men and a Truck. More information is available online at uwjackson.org/diaper-drive.
