UW Distributes 7,000 Diapers Thanks To Successful Drive

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area is well known for its work in the community. And today, thanks to a successful diaper drive the group is once again reaching out to those less fortunate.

Executive Director, Brenda Episcopo says thanks to individuals and other community organizations, the drive netted 7,000 diapers. "This drive was amazing! This was the first time we've attempted a diaper drive, and so for our first time out to raise 7,000 diapers is phenomenal," she said.

The diapers will be distributed through nine local non-profit organizations. Mary Zimbler is with The Country Pantry, one of the non-profit groups selected for the donation. She said, "We have found that the people who are most vulnerable when challenges face families, are the children--infants and children. And diapers are a very expensive item, so having this diaper drive helps our families immensely. It's one less thing that they have to be worrying about." According to Zimbler, The Country Pantry currently serves about 150 families, about 500 individuals, 175 children and roughly 40 people age 65 and older. "We also serve families with disabilities," she said. The Country Pantry is run solely by volunteers.

Episcopo says the United Way accepts donations throughout the year to benefit the different drives they organize. School supplies, winter coats and of course diapers can be donated any time of the year. To find out more about the organization or to donate contact them at, (315) 733-4691 and on line at, www.unitedwaygu.org.

Two public distribution sites have been set up in Oneida and Herkimer Counties:

• Oneida County - Corisanti Children's Center, 326 Catherine Street, Utica, (315) 798-4006
• Herkimer County - Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West Street, Ilion, (315) 894-9917.