Northern Berkshire United Way, Williamstown Community Chest Holding Diaper Drive
Northern Berkshire United Way and Williamstown Community Chest are holding a collaborative Diaper Drive.
The drive will kick off on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, and end on Tuesday, Dec. 17. All of the diapers and wipes collected will go to the Berkshire Community Diaper Project, which will distribute the diapers to agencies in Northern Berkshire.
BCDP raises funds and collects diaper donations to provide these essential items for parents/guardians and caregivers who struggle to afford them for their children. In Berkshire Country, 2,000 children qualify for one of three WIC Programs located in Berkshire County.
"Food and financial insecurity usually goes along with diaper need. Both Northern Berkshire United Way and Williamstown Community Chest support organizations that serve families and children that may be affected by this basic need. We wanted to make a contribution together to this cause as part of Giving Tuesday," said Christa Collier, executive director of Northern Berkshire United Way.
"Infant and toddlers generally require about eight to 12 diapers per day. Diapers can cost over $100 per month, per child. That's close to 7 percent of the take home pay of a single parent living at the federal poverty line," said Anne Singleton, executive director of Williamstown Community Chest. "Because of this, many families decide between changing a diaper or paying a utility bill or buying food each month."
The sizes most in demand are 4, 5, and 6. Pull-up or other brand training pants are helpful, too.
Diapers can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Northern Berkshire United Way Office at 40 Main St. in North Adams at the Holiday Inn (not in the hotel; the office suite on parking lot side) and the Williamstown Community Chest Office, at 84 Spring St. in Williamstown. Donation boxes will be placed outside the office area but you may also leave with a staff member.
Donations can also be brought to the Penny Social/Nonprofit Fair as part of the annual Williamstown Holiday Walk on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Lasell Gym on the corner of Spring and Main streets from 2 to 5 p.m.
