Lancaster non-profit sets up world's largest diaper drive

LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH) -- One central Ohio non-profit is amping up its efforts to help those in need.

Bottoms Up Diaper Bank is calling it the “world's largest diaper drive" with the goal to collect one million diapers during the month of May. "It just really pulls at your heartstrings when you have a mom that is just struggling to make ends meet,” said co-founder Jo Welch.

Welch co-founded the non-profit with her husband in 2018. She said the organization collects diapers and baby wipes to distribute across 21 counties in central Ohio working with area food pantries, child care, domestic violence, recovery and pregnancy centers. "We give diapers to those folks that are community partners to us and they distribute diapers for us to those families that they serve,” she said.

According to the group, one in two U.S. families struggle to buy diapers for their children. "They're leaving that diaper on their baby for an entire day because they don't have enough diapers,” Welch said.

Welch added she hopes this drive brings awareness to those in need. "Just think about that mom that is struggling,” she said. “It is hard to make ends meet. You know it's really the baby that ends up ultimately suffering." 

As of Wednesday, Bottoms Up has collected about 600,000 diapers this month. “We're about 385,00 to go," said Welch, "So, if anybody has 385,000 diapers, we will take them. we'll pick them up."

Welch said the biggest need is diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6. If you would like to donate or are a parent in need of diapers and wipes, click here.