The Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition of Berrien County will be hosting a countywide diaper drive from Oct. 30 through Nov. 30 with the goal to collect 15,000 diapers for infants and toddlers in Berrien County.
Many families in Berrien County continue to struggle in this economy and those struggles are having an impact on our youngest citizens.
n More than 1 in 4 children in Berrien County up to age 5 lives in poverty.
n 36 percent of mothers living in poverty regularly run out of diapers for their child.
n Food assistance programs do not cover diapers.  In Berrien County, 20.9 percent  of residents receive food assistance.
Babies who remain in dirty diapers for prolonged periods of time are susceptible to diaper rash, infections and other health problems.
Babies who experience severe diaper rashes often cry more than babies without such diaper rash.  Excessive crying coupled with the stress of living in need can lead to child abuse.
Collected diapers will be distributed to local homeless shelters and home visiting programs to disperse to families in need.
The Great Start System is a state-wide initiative that focuses on early childhood development.

Get involved
• Organize a diaper drive within your organization/office.  We will provide donation boxes along with posters for promotion of the Diaper Drive and will arrange for pick up and distribution.

• Offer your organization/office as a community donation site.  We will provide donation boxes for your customers as well as promotional materials.  We will advertise your place of business/organization as a drop-off site for the Diaper Drive and arrange for pick up and distribution.

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• Donate diapers at any of the community sites throughout the county.
Give a monetary donation that will be used to purchase diapers.  Checks can be made payable to Berrien RESA with Diaper Drive in the memo line.

Send donations
Great Start Collaborative/Parent Coalition
711 St. Joseph Ave.
Berrien Springs, MI  49103