For the City Times

As part of its fourth annual No Child’s Wet Behind Community Diaper Drive, United Way of Portage County collected $12,371 in diaper and monetary donations to help fill a need in the community.

Individuals, businesses, churches, and service clubs participated in the diaper drive throughout the month-long effort, said Laura Pfeil, United Way of Portage County Community Services Manager. The donation total includes a $3,000 matching grant from the Women’s Fund of Portage County, and physical and monetary donations from Sentry Cares, AIG, Spectra Print, Verso, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Church of the Intercession, and Stevens Point Noon and Morning Rotary clubs.

For the fourth consecutive year, NAPA Distribution acted as the major collection site during the wrap-up of the drive. It will continue to store diapers at the facility.

Pfeil said many local agencies have identified the inability to afford diapers as a top issue facing struggling families, which can often result in health issues for infants and toddlers whose diapers aren’t changed as often as they should be.

“The tremendous support and generosity of our community has once again amazed me,” said Pfeil. “Additionally, having the opportunity to bring awareness to a need that not many think of has been instrumental in the success of the drive and the ability to serve those in need.”

Although the diaper drive is over, monetary donations can still be dropped off at or sent to United Way of Portage County, c/o No Child’s Wet Behind Community Diaper Drive, 1100 Centerpoint Dr., #302, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

Requests for diapers should be made through Emergency Services. The primary source for distribution of diapers will be Operation Bootstrap. Emergency and holiday distribution will be provided through other programs serving income-qualified families.

For more information, visit the United Way of Portage County website at www.unitedwaypoco.org and click on “Community Diaper Drive,” or contact United Way at 715-341-6740 or [email protected]