It takes over $2,000 a year to keep a baby in diapers, a challenge to families already struggling financially. “The need is tremendous,” states Cathy Peach, Development Director for the Community Pregnancy Center. “Last year, we provided over 63,000 diapers to families in our area. Our clients come here because they have a need for something. Diapers are one of the greatest needs.”

From April 10th through May 8th, First Things First is partnering with several organizations in Yavapai County, including the Community Pregnancy Center (CPC) to launch the 2nd annual Yavapai Diaper Drive. Through last year’s Yavapai Diaper Drive, over 25,000 diapers were distributed to local children in need.  This year, community members are invited to donate diapers and wipes at their local fire station or to give online at www.youthcount.org. The diapers and wipes collected through the Diaper Drive are distributed to local organizations, including the CPC, who work with families in need.

The CPC provides diapers through a program called “Earn While You Learn”, in which parents take parenting education classes to earn “Mommy Money” or “Daddy Bucks”, a mock currency that can be exchanged for material goods at the Community Pregnancy Center Store. “Though Earn While You Learn, we want to help them grow as parents,” states Cathy Peach. “Instead of providing handouts, we are able to help these young parents grow in their parenting skills, which will in turn help their children because they’ll grow in a much healthier environment.”

The CPC is completely community funded, and receives most of its donations through the generosity of churches, civic organizations, and community projects like the Yavapai Diaper Drive. Recently, the National Honor Society of Prescott High School conducted their own diaper drive to support the CPC.

Brittany Williams, a senior at Prescott High School and secretary of the National Honor Society (NHS), organized the drive because of her passion for children and supporting her community. Brittany learned of the need for diapers from a friend who volunteers at the Community Pregnancy Center. “She tells me they’re always in need of diapers” states Brittany. So far, the NHS has raised $350 worth of diapers, and are working towards their goal of $500. Brittany hopes that the donations from their Diaper Drive will help families in need, allowing them to purchase other necessities for their children. “This way, they’ll be able to buy other things important to the growth of their baby and raise them in a great environment,” she states.  At the end of their drive, all of the NHS’s donations will be delivered to the CPC.

Kristine Ashby and Garrett Garman, young parents of two-year old Gabriella, are grateful for the support they receive from the CPC. “They help out parents in need of help,” states Kristine as she redeems some Mommy Money for diapers at the Community Pregnancy Center Baby Store.

“If they weren’t here, I don’t know where we would be,” adds Garrett.

Cathy Peach and the Community Pregnancy Center are looking forward to this year’s countywide Yavapai Diaper Drive. Peach stresses that there is an especially great need for larger sizes of diapers, sizes 3-6. “Those little bottoms grow!” she states, smiling. The Yavapai Diaper Drive was created by First Things First to help all babies grow and thrive. For more information, contact the First Things First regional office at 928-776-0062.