MOUNT VERNON — Families across Knox County will benefit from the annual “Bottoms Up Diaper Drive” taking place throughout the month of May.
Coordinated locally by Knox County Head Start, the drive aims to collect diapers for families in need across the community.
Now in its fifth year locally, the diaper drive is part of a broader effort in partnership with Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, a nonprofit founded in 2018 by Tim and Jo Welsh.
The couple created the organization out of their shared faith and commitment to making a difference. Their mission is to provide clean, dry diapers to families in need throughout Central Ohio.
The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon supports the drive by hosting diaper collection points at multiple locations throughout Mount Vernon, making it even easier for community members to participate. A full list of collection sites is below or can be found here: https://shorturl.at/cjgZb.
“We are proud to partner with Head Start on this important effort,” Mike Copley, president of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon, said . “By hosting collection sites throughout the community, we hope to make it easy for people to give and to come together in support of local families and children.”
Supporting local families
This year, organizers have set an ambitious goal to double last year’s collection and gather at least 4,150 diapers to support local families.
Most-needed sizes include sizes 5 and up, as these are often in highest demand. However, diapers and pull ups of all sizes are needed. Open packages of diapers are also accepted.
Head Start will distribute the diapers collected to local families identified through referrals from partner agencies. While Head Start coordinates the effort, the diapers support a broader network of families, not just those enrolled in Head Start programs.
“Diaper need is a real and often overlooked challenge for many families,” said Anna Yoder, ERSEA and Enrollment coordinator for Knox County Head Start. “This communitywide effort helps ensure that infants and toddlers have access to a basic necessity, supporting their health, comfort, and overall well-being.”
Community organizations, churches, and businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting their own diaper collection efforts. Residents can drop off donations at the Head Start Administration Building at 790 Fairgrounds Road, with arrangements made by contacting Yoder at ayoder@knoxheadstart.org or calling 740-397-2768.
Diaper drop-off locations
Mount Vernon locations
ACS Title, 109 East High Street
CES Credit Union, 1215 Yauger Road
CES Credit Union, 400 West Chestnut Street
E-Merge Real Estate Champions, 110 Coshocton Avenue, Suite A
First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Avenue
Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road
Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, 16001 Glen Road
Knox County Career Center, 306 Martinsburg Road
Knox County Chamber of Commerce, 11 South Mulberry Street
Ohio Eastern Star Home, 1451 Gamier Road
People’s Bank (1345 Yauger), 1345 Yauger Road
Roots Down Pilates, 135 South Main Street
SPI Spot, 400 South Main Street
The Salvation Army, 206 East Ohio Avenue
UEC Theater, 11535 Upper Gilchrist Road
Head Start locations
New Hope Early Education Center, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon
Danville Head Start, 808 East Street, Danville
Fredericktown Head Start, 124 High Street, Fredericktown
Gambier Childcare Center, 119 Meadow Lane, Gambier
Northgate Head Start, 20 Northgate Drive, Mount Vernon
Together, through strong community partnerships and generous donations, the Bottoms Up Diaper Drive continues to make a meaningful impact for families across Knox County.
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