We have a goal to reach 30,000 diapers during this yea's Community Wide Diaper Drive! That's a lot of diapers! But I believe we can do it, with the help of our community!
We officially kicked off the Diaper Drive this past Saturday, which was National Make a Difference Day. We had a table at the new Wal-Mart and also at all four Lima Ray's Stores. We do not have an official count from those locations yet. WTGN -FM radio station is also accepting diapers at their sation at 1600 Elida Road. Diapers can also be dropped off at Heartbeat of LIma, 3225 W. Elm Street, in the WATCH-TV building.
Having clean, dry diapers is so important to a baby's well being. Wearing the same wet or dirty diaper for hours can cause diaper rash, leading to other issues: the skin breaks down leading to easy access for germs and infection. Also babies with diaper rash are likely to be fussier than babies in clean, dry diapers.. A recent report said that it is believed that child abuse has risen due to the poor economy.
Most of our clients do not have easy access to laundry equipment. Some of them take their babies to daycare while they go to school or work. Most daycares require disposable diapers. We give out most of the diapers through our Bridges Parenting Program, in which the members earn Mommy Money for attending parenting classes and other activities. We also can help a non-Bridges client with diapers 3 times a year with a written referral. All Heartbeat clients are given the opprtunity to join the Bridges program.
