Diaper drives to kick off Oct. 21 in Kennebec, Somerset counties

Each year the family enrichment councils in Kennebec and Somerset counties organize a diaper drive to collect diapers and wipes for families in need.

This year’s Stuff the Cruiser events are scheduled to be hosted in collaboration with local law enforcement in various communities:
• Somerset County: Friday, Oct. 21, 3-6 p.m., Hannaford, 100 Fairgrounds Marketplace, Skowhegan;
• Kennebec County: Thursday, Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m., Buddies Groceries, 43 Main St., Oakland;
• Kennebec County: Friday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-noon, Hannaford, 29 Whitten Road, Augusta; and
• Kennebec County: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m.-noon, Waterville Elm Plaza Hannaford, 14 Elm Plaza.

To learn more or to find the nearest collection site, contact Kristen Plummer (Somerset County) at 207-859-2520 or kristenp@kvcap.org, or Erin McClay (Kennebec) at 207-859-1588 or emcclay@kvcap.org.

Here are reasons why the diaper drive is so important, according to a news release from Andrea Pasco, development director, Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, Waterville.
• One in three families struggle to afford diapers for their children;
• Government safety-net programs do not recognize diapers as a basic need;
• Diapers cannot be obtained with food stamps (SNAP);
• Babies cry more when they experience diaper rash and the lack of resources increases the risk of abuse;
• Babies who cry excessively are at greater risk for shaken baby syndrome; and
• Most child care centers require parents to provide a day’s supply of disposable diapers; without access to childcare parents can’t go to work or school.

For more information, call Pasco at 207-859-1630.