— Submitted photo by Jeff Scott Jamie and Paul Nielsen and sons Paxton and Wyatt of Jewell stand by the boxes of donated diapers for the Love a Little diaper drive. More than 15,000 diapers and 30,000 wipes were collected during the month long drive. The items will be distributed this week to families around Hamilton County.

A Jewell woman’s efforts to collect diapers and baby necessities for those in need has resulted in a big response from Hamilton County donors.

Jamie Nielsen said that the drive, entitled Love a Little, Keep ‘Em Clean, collected 15,150 diapers, more than 30,000 baby wipes, 87 bottles of baby wash/shampoo and 57 tubes of diaper cream.

“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 wanted to help with that,” Nielsen said.

The program began Sept. 1 and donations of diapers or other supplies were dropped off at the Webster City Hy-Vee Store, Jewell Farm and Home or the Jewell Market.

“At the end of our drive we were falling short of our goal by several thousand diapers and wipes when we received the most generous donation from The Lords Cupboard. We are ever grateful for their gracious support,” said Nielsen.

Nielsen said Walmart of Ames contributed $200 in diapers, creams and washes. Duckworth Wearing in Ames also donated all the diapers they had received during the month, she said.

“In addition to the wonderful contributions of individuals within our community, we also received a large donation of diapers and wipes from the Main Street Morning Kiwanis of Webster City,” she said. “Thank you to the members who pitched in to support the cause.”

Nielsen said distribution of the items collected during September will be distributed this week.