From Aug. 5 through Aug. 11, 2017, the Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank will host a kick-off diaper collection drive to collect diapers and monetary donations. Junior League of Charleston (JLC) volunteers will be on site at area Harris Teeter locations (below) on Saturday, Aug. 5 and on Sunday, Aug. 6 to collect diaper and monetary donations for families in need.

On Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. JLC will be at the following locations:

• Store 28: 675 Folly Rd.
• Store 363: 9500 Wescott Blvd.

On Sunday, Aug. 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., JLC will be at the following locations:

• Store 28: 675 Folly Rd.
• Store 363: 955 Wescott Blvd.
• Store 87: 620 Long Point Rd.
• Store 365: 975 Savannah Hwy.

First Citizens Bank has announced their Charleston area branches will be drop-off locations during the diaper drive from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Barre Code will collect diaper donations before and after the Diaper Bank Drive. Patrons who donate a pack of diapers from Aug. 7 to Aug. 11 will receive one free barre class. The Barre Code is located at 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Suite 1500.

The Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank will collect, package and work with community partner organizations to distribute diapers to those in need throughout the lowcountry. This also gives JLC an opportunity to educate the community about this overlooked need and eventually create real movement by advocating at the state and federal levels to change the current policy of not funding diapers within the WIC and SNAP programs.

For countless low-income families in South Carolina, it is a struggle to provide adequate necessities like diapers for their babies with an average cost of diapers climbing to $1,250 or more a year. Without diapers, children cannot attend daycare, which may prevent parents from making an income. Diapers are not funded by WIC and SNAP programs, and without this financial assistance, babies are left in their diapers longer, leading to severe diaper rash that could lead to other medical problems.

Our members have a heart of service. I believe JLC members have recognized that our community has an unmet need and are excited to be the organization that addresses this need and makes a real difference within the community,” said Alisa Brooks, President of JLC. “Providing diapers to families in need can have a real impact – diapers can help break the poverty cycle.”

Throughout the year, the JLC will encourage schools and local businesses to host their own drives to increase awareness of the Diaper Bank and its mission throughout the lowcountry.

To inquire about diaper and monetary donations, get an updated list of collection locations or to learn how you can host your own diaper collection drive with the Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank, visit jlcharleston.org/diaperbank or contact diaperbank@jlcharleston.org.

Contact: Jeannie Colson (colsonjm4@gmail.com)