Community Corner

Rotary Diaper Drive Points to Need in 'Wealthy Morris County'

Fundraiser gathered more than 5,000 diapers for needy families.

The says its first diaper drive, held in early May, was a rousing success—and educational too.

The drive collected diapers and dollars to benefit Child and Family Resources of Morris County.

The work was done by Rotary members and their youth wings, the Interact Clubs at  and . The program was funded with a $1,000 grant from the Rotary Club.

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In total, 5,628 diapers were donated to CFR and will go to families across Morris County.

"We collected over 1,000 [diapers] in addition to the 4,800 purchased with the grant," said Parsippany Rotary Past District Governor Maurie Mader. "The $1,000  we collected in addition to the grant will be donated for additional diaper purchases."

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According to the club, diapers were chosen as the vehicle because there is a real need for them among low-income families: A normal infant uses up to 12 diapers per day at a cost of about $112 per month. Food stamps do not cover the cost of diapers, an expense many households cannot bear.

As the club warns, wet diapers can create serious problems for already struggling parents. A baby crying due to a soiled diaper is at increased risk of contracting an infection. (The same risk exists for dependent elderly people who use adult diapers.) And the added stress can create or further frustration within the family, which increases the possibility that abuse could occur.

The Rotary effort focused on youth diapers, but collected adult diapers too, along with cash contributions.

Mader said those still interested in donating diapers can do so by calling the club at 973-538-6666. To make a financial contribution, he suggested sending a check to the nonprofit Parsippany Rotary Foundation, PO Box 48,  Parsippany, N.J. 07054.

The effort was an eyeopener for club members, according to Mader.

"We do a lot for kids all over the world," he said, noting that the group currently is applying for a grant to put a water system into a Guatemalan school. "This program taught us that there is much need right here in wealthy Morris County.

"Our [Run for Life]  will benefit Child & Family as well."

Rotary's Interact Clubs have chapters in both Par-Troy high schools and at .  

 

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