17K diapers, 21K baby wipes collected in Tri-Cities Diaper Drive

Tri-Cities community members came together to donate thousands of diapers and baby wipes to families in need.

The United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties’ annual Diaper Driver was a huge success, bringing in more than 17,000 diapers and 21,000 baby wipes for families in just two weeks.

United Way organizes the drive by diapers are not covered by most public assistance programs. That means many families can’t afford to buy enough diapers or have to make hard choices about what necessities to cut.

“This year’s Diaper Drive exceeded our expectations and showed just how strong our community is when we come together,” said Community Impact Director Asta Bonheyo. “Every donation represents comfort, dignity and health for a child-and peace of mind for a parent or caregiver.”

The diapers and wipes will be distributed through United Way’s nonprofit partners, including the Tri-Cities Diaper Bank and Elijah Family Homes.

Community organizations that participated as collection sites for the drive include H2C, the Hanford Vit Plant, Benton PUD, Meier, Abadan, the cities Kennewick, Richland and West Richland and more.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed-whether by donating diapers, hosting a collection site, or running an internal campaign at their offices” said Communications and Special Projects Director Jade Elliott. “This is what coming together for the greater good of the community looks like.”

For more information about United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties or to learn about their other family initiatives, visit www.uwbfco.org.