Brokers of Hope Kicks off Annual Diapers and Wipes Drive in Union Parish

The Center for Children & Families, a local nonprofit organization in Monroe, has kicked off its annual Diapers and Wipes Drive to support Union Parish families they say are struggling with high living expenses and difficult financial decisions.

The drive, headed by the center’s Brokers of Hope Division, began on March 1 and continues through the remainder of the month. Donations of supplies for babies and young children such as diapers, pull-ups and wipes are urgently needed, according to the nonprofit’s website.

Brokers of Hope works as a program that aims to provide hope and support for residents of Union Parish, with a staff that attempts to identify concrete needs, develop specific plans of action for those they work with, provide resources to families in need, while also offering lessons on life skills and financial advice according to Cerene Stone, manager of the Center for Children & Families.

Organizers say the movement is intended to provide relief for families struggling with difficult financial circumstances, such as choosing whether to pay their water bills, electric bills, and fill their vehicles up with gasoline, or to buy items such as diapers and wipes for their children. Many such families don’t have relatives, friends, or a church community to rely on for help, and thus would be greatly helped by an initiative such as this.

The most pressing needs and how to contribute

The most critical need is for supplies of larger sizes, such as size 3T to 6T pull-ups and size 5-6 diapers as hospitals typically provide needed supplies for newborns. Donations of any sized diapers or pull-ups will be gladly accepted at any in-person drop-off location, which include Union General Hospital in Farmerville, Reeves Memorial Center in Bernice, Union Parish Library and Willie Davis, Jr. Recreation Center in Farmerville, as well as the town halls of both Farmerville and Bernice. All donations must be new and unopened to be accepted.

While the program hasn’t set a specific goal regarding an exact number of donations they hope to receive, Brokers of Hope Coordinator April Duke says that 70 to 100 families served would be considered a success.