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Helping Hamilton County’s littlest residents

Program aims to collect baby necessities for those in need

Jamie Nielsen

There’s still time to donate items to a program that will held some of the county’s littlest residents and their families.

Love a Little, Keep ‘Em Clean and Dry is a new diaper and baby necessity drive that Jamie Nielsen of Jewell is spearheading.

“About 30 percent of the population struggles with diaper insecurity and it’s a very hushed topic,” according to Nielsen. She hopes to provide a resource to families who can’t afford to purchase diapers for their little ones.

“Keeping children clean and dry is one of the most basic function of parenting and we want to help with that,” Nielsen said.

The program, which began Sept. 1, seeks to collect diapers of all sizes, baby wipes (the sensitive variety preferred), diaper rash creams, baby shampoo and baby wash. Those who wish to donate diapers or other supplies can drop them off at the Webster City Hy-Vee Store, Jewell Farm and Home or the Jewell Market

Nielsen said those who wish to make a monetary contribution to the project can do so with Amazon or Walmart gift cards which will be used to purchase additional supplies. The cards can be sent to Love a Little, General Delivery, Jewell, Iowa 50130. She hopes to begin distributing the items in October.

Those looking for help with baby needs can turn to the HOPES program through Hamilton County Public Health or through Upper Des Moines Opportunity in Webster City.

Nielsen said studies have shown the average cost of diapers is about $100 per month per child.

“Thinking about those families that have two or three children in diapers – that really adds up fast,” she said. Add on the wipes, diaper cream and other necessities, and the cost can stack up quickly.

The goal for the Love a Little, Keep ‘Em Clean and Dry program is to collect 15,000 diapers, 15,000 wipes, 500 diaper creams and 500 bottles of shampoo and body wash.

“We want to make sure that anybody who is having a struggle to provide these basic needs for their kids, that they’ve got somewhere to turn,” she said.

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