For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – As part of its seventh annual Community Diaper Drive, United Way of Portage County collected $11,562 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 Cecily Mileski, United Way of Portage County Volunteer Engagement Associate.

The donation total includes a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Fund of Portage County, and physical and monetary donations from Sentry Cares, Blenker Companies, Adventure 212, AIG, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Portage County Business Council, Trinity Lutheran Church, BioLife, The Beloved Community- Redeemer Lutheran Church & Church of the Intersession, Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County, NRG Media, Precision Glass, Verso, Ascension Saint Michael’s Hospital, and many community members.

For the seventh consecutive year, NAPA Distribution acted as the major collection site during the wrap-up of the drive.

Mileski 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 Mileski. “Additionally, having the opportunity to bring awareness to a need that not many thinks 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 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

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].