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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – WHNT News 19 is partnering with RocketCityMom.com this September to collect diapers for local families in need. We hope you’ll join us in helping low-income families give children their best start.

Thank you to everyone who dropped off diapers and wipes at our Blitz Drive on Wednesday in front of The Rock Family Worship Center!   We collected 8,309 diapers for needy families right here in Huntsville and Madison County.

Photo of diapers collected on Wednesday, September 11 at our 'Great Diaper Drive Blitz Drive. (WHNT News 19)
Photo of 8,309 diapers collected on Wednesday, September 11 at our ‘Great Diaper Drive’ Blitz Drive. Thank you for your donations! (Photo: WHNT News 19)

Diapers and wipes are some of the most expensive must-have items for new parents, costing in some cases, upwards of $100 per month. Many Tennessee Valley families struggle with that burden and can’t find help through government programs because diapers are classified “hygiene items.”

The cost has even reportedly caused some families to reuse disposables, or leave babies in diapers far longer than they should – leading to diaper rash, infections and other health problems. You can read more on the need for diapers here.

As WHNT News 19 Morning Anchor Michelle Stark outlined recently in a blog post before the birth of her first child, cloth diapers can save families big money and are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Unfortunately, they are not an option for most low-income families that don’t have access to washers or dryers, or need to drop kids at daycares requiring disposable diapers.

All diapers will be distributed through Manna House, a local 501(c)3. Click here to make an online donation. Please enter “diapers” in the comment section. A donation of $25 will buy 200 diapers.

You can also donate disposable diapers and wipes at these businesses throughout the month of September:

  • Manna House – 2110 South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville from 2:00-7:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday or Thursday)
  • A Nurturing Moment – 7540 Memorial Pkwy SW in Huntsville
  • Itty Bitty – 5732 U.S. 431, Brownsboro, AL 35741
  • Kidventure – 500 Lanier Road, Suite D in Madison
  • The Little Gym locations – 2124 Cecil Ashburn Dr. SE and 470 Providence Main St.
  • Posh Mommy and Baby, Too! – 7755 Hwy 72 W. in Madison
  • WAY FM – 9582 Madison Blvd. #8,

    Madison

Kidventure hosted a Diaper Shower on Sunday, September 8th. Every child who brought in a package of disposable diapers got in free!  Click here to see pictures of the event.

For more information on RocketCityMom.com, click here.

To read more about Michelle Stark’s journey to parenting, check out her baby blog here.