Community Action doing ‘sweet cheeks’ diaper drive
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee’s Head Start Program
Provided photo: Community Action Board members organizing and supporting Sweet Cheeks Diaper Drive include from left: Esther Leadley, Barb Shine and Debbie Miller.
April is nationally recognized as the “Month of the Young Child” to emphasize the unique needs and rights of young children and their families.
In response to the Month of the Young Child, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee’s Volunteer Advocacy Committee is sponsoring a “Sweet Cheeks” Diaper Drive to assist in meeting the ongoing needs of Community Action’s Head Start program for young children.
The Head Start Program promotes school readiness through education, health/nutrition, social/emotional, and family support services for local children age birth to 5 years who are income eligible. Community Action Head Start Program enrolls over 300 children in Orleans and Genesee counties annually.
“We provide developmentally appropriate comprehensive services at licensed agency centers, licensed day care partners and in the homes of children and families,” said Bonnie Malakie, director of Children and Youth Services for Community Action.
The “Sweet Cheeks” Diaper Drive is being supported by over 40 local business entities in the two counties over the next two months. Customers, employees and the public are asked to donate disposable diapers (any size) and/or baby wipes in hampers at these locations. These donations will help off-set the cost of supplies utilized in the Head Start program and will count as part of the local match required by the funders.
Business or nonprofit entities interested in helping local young children may sponsor a Sweet Cheeks Diaper Drive donation hamper by contacting Barb Shine, Community Action Board member at 716-474-4459.
Look for the hampers at your local businesses and organizations. Individuals interested in dropping off a package of disposable diapers/wipes may take donations in Orleans County to 401 East State St., Albion or in Genesee County at 5073 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia. Look for the containers as you enter the lobby.
Photo by Tom Rivers: A hamper to collect diapers is set up at Hoag Library in Albion.
