United Way seeks diaper donations

The United Way of Eastern New Mexico is trying to collect 20,000 diapers for Roosevelt and Curry County this month as part of its third annual diaper drive.

UWENM Executive Director Erinn Burch said the program started because of high poverty rates among children in the surrounding counties.

"It's really hard when a family is dealing with rent, groceries, getting formula and other baby supplies and are on a limited income. Diapers can be a big chunk of those expenditures," Burch said.

United Way has collected 2,000 diapers and $700 so far, which Burch said equals about 3,500 diapers.

The United Way said in a press release that the average baby requires 8-12 diapers a day, which can add up to $120 a month.

Burch said she calls for people to remember what it was like to have a child of their own.

"If it has been a while since people have had a baby, they forget why diapers are important. I just need it to be remembered that these parents are stressed and juggling a lot of responsibilities," she said. "If they can't afford diapers, on top of that, then they are dealing with a sick baby."

Burch spoke of diaper needs as a sort of gateway situation, often being the first step leading to child abandonment and shaken baby syndrome.

"It creates a desperation in parents on top of them feeling inadequate and scared," Burch said. "Keeping a child happy and healthy can ease a psychological burden from a family."

The diapers, after collection, will be passed on to four different venues in Roosevelt and Curry County including Matt 25 in Clovis.

"These diapers have a huge impact on the community," Matt 25 Administrative Assistant Shelly Kokosenski said.

The last day to donate is June 30.