United Way Goal: 50,000 Diapers in 5 Days – Annnnd Go!

As you have heard on 95.3 WBCK, the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region has shifted campaign focus from high dollar amounts to overall outcomes. The outcomes have had particular focus on low-income families and how to address some of the barriers to success - and how to address them.

Alyssa Stewart, United Way Director of Strategy and Engagement, tells 95.3 WBCK one of those barriers is diapers. When studying the financial struggles of low-income families in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, having access to enough diapers for young children rises on the list.

In fact, Stewart said surveys of low-income parents reveals clean diapers as a greater stressor than their child's next meal.

So, the United Way is undertaking the first annual diaper drive with the goal of raising 50,000 diapers between June 16-20, 2017. Volunteers will then sort and re-package the diapers for distribution via various local organizations.

Click the player at the top to learn more.

How You Can Help

• DONATE DIAPERS: Purchase diapers and drop them off in Battle Creek or Kalamazoo at any Kellogg Community Credit Union, OnStaff or United Way BCKR location. While all sizes are needed, there’s high demand for sizes 2-5.
• GIVE ONLINE: If you don’t have time to shop, text DIAPER to 41444 and United Way will purchase the diapers for you.
• COLLECT: Set up a collection site within your company, church or other group. Sign up here.
• VOLUNTEER: Sign up here for a shift and help sort, repackage and deliver diapers to recipient agencies, or email getinvolved@uwbckr.org.

BONUS VIDEO - Income Stability A Focus of United Way Campaign