United Way of Milford kicked off its annual diaper drive this week, with the help of Milford’s first lady, Sandy Blake.
Blake, a local attorney, mother of two, and wife of Mayor Ben Blake, is chairing the collection.
United Way of Milford plans to collect 15,000 diapers during February and March as part of its Healthy Baby Diaper Drive. The agency reached that goal in 2013.
This year’s emphasis will be on collecting toddler sized diapers and pull ups, addressing a pressing need according to Milford’s social service agencies. Donated diapers are distributed through United Way of Milford partner agencies, such as the Young Parent Program, Bridges…A Community Support System and the Salvation Army, as well as the Milford Department of Human Services.
“United Way’s Healthy Baby Diaper Drive is a critical component of community support,” Blake said. “I am proud to chair this campaign knowing that it will help families that are stretching their income to provide an adequate diaper supply for their children.”
According to the Diaper Bank of New Haven, neither food stamps nor WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) cover the cost of diapers, which can cost a household more than $100 per month.
“As the first lady of Milford and a mother herself, Sandy understands the needs of families in our community,” said Gary Johnson, president and CEO of the United Way of Milford. “She is leading this year’s drive because she is committed to building a stronger Milford community one family at a time. We look forward to continued support from those who live and work in Milford to support this drive. ”
In addition to her role as First Lady of Milford, Blake is an attorney at Parrett, Porto, Parese & Colwell.
To donated diapers, contact the United Way of Milford at 203-874-6791.
Monetary donations to assist in the purchase of diapers are also welcome. Checks can be made payable to the United Way of Milford (memo: diapers) and mailed to the United Way at 20 Evergreen Avenue, Milford, CT 06460.