Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Rantin: Diaper drive aids families

AS THE PROUD godfather of three adorable kids, I've learned quite a few things about diapers in the past 3 1/2 years.

One of the biggest is that the young ones can go through them relatively quickly.

Any bargain is a good find, and even my working-class friends won't pass up a coupon or diaper sale.

But many area families are facing even bigger struggles to keep their infants in fresh diapers. That's why several businesses in the Columbia area are looking to help.

Businesses in Columbia, Lexington, Irmo and Blythewood have joined an effort to collect 250,000 disposable diapers for low-income families across South Carolina.

Area residents are being asked to drop off packages of disposable diapers Nov. 18 at participating businesses as part of BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid's Diaper Change campaign: "One Day, Thousands of Healthy Changes."

S.C. BlueChoice Medicaid launched Diaper Change in September, after becoming aware of the urgent situation low-income families face when they cannot afford diapers and wipes for their babies.

Agency officials explained that keeping a baby in clean, dry diapers can cost more than $100 per month. In some low-income families, a baby may spend an entire day in a single diaper, increasing the risk of health problems, all because his family cannot afford an adequate supply.

Cloth diapers are not an option for many families, as child care programs often require disposable diapers.

More than 60,000 diapers have been collected through the drive. The diapers are being distributed to families who need them through food banks and other service organizations.

"We have been amazed by the generosity of South Carolinians who are helping others through this campaign," said Mary Mazzola Spivey, president of BlueChoice HealthPlan.

"With the Nov. 18 event here in the Midlands, we are looking to take a big step toward our goal of 250,000 diapers for South Carolina babies."

Among locations where diapers may be dropped off:

- All Lizard's Thicket restaurants in Richland and Lexington counties, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Kroger at Two Notch and Sparkleberry roads, 2 to 8 p.m.

- Palmetto Health Children's Hospital at 7 Richland Medical Park, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Gotham Bagel Cafe, 1508 Main St., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- WLTX-TV's offices on Garners Ferry Road, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Baby wipes and cash donations to purchase diapers also will be accepted.

Groups interested in holding a diaper drive may call BlueChoice HealthPlan at (803) 382-5036.

For more information, or to make a monetary donation, go to www.SCDiaperChange.com.

Now, I'm off to buy some diapers.

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