'Under the radar': Athens Area Diaper Bank seeks donations during National Diaper Week

Erin Campbell, who is founder and serves as executive director for the Athens Area Diaper Bank, noted recently that the need for baby diapers is a problem that “flies under the radar.”

Now she is hoping people will step forward and donate diapers to ease this problem.

Next week, Sept. 18 through Sept. 24, is National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

During the week, Campbell is hoping people will donate diapers at drop-off locations, then attend an open house reception at the Diaper Bank from 2-3 p.m. at 130 Conway Dr., Suite F, Bogart. The location is about three blocks west of Georgia Square mall.

Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp is scheduled to attend along with a representative from the National Diaper Bank Network.

The Athens organization serves residents in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties.

Campbell said the Diaper Bank is expected to distribute more than 650,000 diapers this year.

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“Diaper need is when a family struggles to afford enough diapers for their children. Diapers cost over $1,000 a year, yet programs like WIC, Medicaid and food stamps do not help with diapers,” Campbell said in a statement released to the Banner-Herald.

“’Families often must choose between diapers and other basic needs like food and rent,” she said. “... Our diapers are distributed all over our six-county service area through over 35 community partners that serve families in a wide range of situations."

More information can be found at www.athensareadiaperbank.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens Area Diaper Bank hosting First Lady Marty Kemp at reception