PICTURED HERE, from right to left, are Program Manager at North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network Kathy Harlow, Mayor of Melrose Paul Brodeur and Director of Community Services at MelroseWakefield Healthcare Services Eileen Dern.
MELROSE – The City of Melrose has donated over 6,000 diapers and wipes to local families participating in community programs at MelroseWakefield Healthcare.
Kathy Harlow, Program Manager at North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network, and Eileen Dern, Director of Community Services at MelroseWakefield Healthcare Services, came to Mayor Brodeur’s office on December 17 to collect the diapers, which were donated through Mayor Paul Brodeur’s new Diaper Drive initiative.
“Diapers are critical to the well-being of Melrose families with infants and toddlers, and unlike formula, they are an essential need not covered by government benefits,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “The Diaper Drive is all about filling that need. Our community did not hesitate for a second to join the cause – they came together and donated well over 6,000 diapers – and I couldn’t be more proud. As a City, we will continue our effort to raise diaper need awareness and provide help to families who need it.”
Diapers are as essential to a child’s well-being as food and shelter, but are often the last thing families can afford when they are struggling financially. Providing clean and dry diapers promotes physical and emotional health in babies, and lets babies and toddlers participate in early childhood education. SNAP and WIC benefits do not cover diapers, and with an increase in families struggling to afford the basics at the holidays, helping to reduce diaper need is more important than ever.
The Mayor’s office will continue to welcome donations of diapers and wipes at the Mayor’s Office located on the second floor of Melrose City Hall at 562 Main Street. All sizes and brands are graciously accepted, however there is a special need for sizes 4-6.
