VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — It’s an item that many families struggle to afford – diapers.

But on Wednesday, an event will help Hoosier families with young children make ends meet.
The Villages of Indiana is holding an online event called Diaper Day. The organization is calling on Hoosiers to donate diapers to help support the families that the Villages of Indiana serves.

The goal is to collect $60,000 in diapers statewide. Kathy Stagg, the clinical director at the Villages of Indiana office in Terre Haute. She says there’s especially a need for larger-size diapers, like sizes 4, 5, and 6 as well as pull-ups. Donations of this necessity make a difference for families.

“One of the goals that we really want to do especially for our foster families is when a new child comes into care, we want to be able to give them a diaper bag, with some clothing, some initial diapers, some comfort items so those first few days of when the child’s in care, they can really focus on meeting the needs of the child and not have to worry about running out to the store and buying all the things they need,” said Stagg. 

The Villages of Indiana also provided statistics that provide some insight into the significance of the program:

• 1,835 families were served by The Villages’ Healthy Families program, with nearly 100% having at least one child in diapers. 
• More than 13% of The Villages’ Older Youth Services participants (youth who have aged out of foster care) have at least one child in diapers.
• 41% of the children served in foster care were age 4 or under, most of who required diapers.

“Our council is comprised of young professionals, and most of us have a child in diapers. We directly feel the impact at the cash register and understand the struggle among Villages’ clients to make ends meet every day. No parent should ever have to choose between a diaper change and putting food on the table. We are passionate about this project and call on Hoosiers to support Diaper Day,” said Grace Ofer, Villages of Indiana Council Chair and Nursing Director at Riley Hospital for Children.

There are a few ways to get involved and help those in need. People can donate, or host a diaper drive of their own. Donations can be made directly to any one of the Villages of Indiana offices or purchased online through the Villages’ of Indiana wishlist. Donations will be distributed to Villages of Indiana families across the state. The Villages’ corporate partner, MHS, will also match the first 15,000 diapers donated.

For further information, visit the Villages Strengthening Families webpage.