County-wide 'Bottoms Up Diaper Drive' returns this May to support local families

Families across Knox County will benefit from the annual “Bottoms Up Diaper Drive,” taking place throughout the month of May. Coordinated locally by Knox County Head Start the drive aims to collect diapers for families in need across the community.

Now in its fifth year locally, the diaper drive is part of a broader effort in partnership with Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, a nonprofit founded in 2018 by Tim and Jo Welsh. The organization was created out of their shared faith and commitment to making a difference, with a mission to provide clean, dry diapers to families in need throughout Central Ohio.

This year, the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon is supporting the drive by hosting diaper collection points at multiple locations throughout Mount Vernon, making it even easier for community members to participate. A full list of collection sites is below or can be found here: https://shorturl.at/cjgZb

“We are proud to partner with Head Start on this important effort,” said Mike Copley, president of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon. “By hosting collection sites throughout the community, we hope to make it easy for people to give and to come together in support of local families and children.”

This year, organizers have set an ambitious goal to double last year’s collection and gather at least 4,150 diapers to support local families. Most-needed sizes include sizes 5 and up, as these are often in highest demand. However, diapers and pull ups of all sizes are needed and open packages of diapers are also accepted.

All diapers collected will be distributed by Head Start to local families identified through referrals from partner agencies. While Head Start coordinates the effort, the diapers support a broader network of families, not just those enrolled in Head Start programs.

“Diaper need is a real and often overlooked challenge for many families,” said Anna Yoder, ERSEA and Enrollment Coordinator for Knox County Head Start. “This community-wide effort helps ensure that infants and toddlers have access to a basic necessity, supporting their health, comfort, and overall well-being.”

Community organizations, churches, and businesses are also encouraged to participate by hosting their own diaper collection efforts. Donations can be dropped off at the Head Start Administration Building at 790 Fairgrounds Road, with arrangements made by contacting Anna Yoder at ayoder@knoxheadstart.org or calling 740-397-2768.

Diaper Drop-Off Locations:

Mount Vernon locations

ACS Title, 109 E. High St.

CES Credit Union, 1215 Yauger Road

CES Credit Union, 400 W. Chestnut St.

E-Merge Real Estate Champions, 110 Coshocton Ave., Suite A

First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Ave.

Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road

Knox County Career Center, 306 Martinsburg Road

Knox County Chamber of Commerce, 11 S. Mulberry St.

Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, 16001 Glen Road

Ohio Eastern Star Home, 1451 Gambier Road

People's Bank (1345 Yauger), 1345 Yauger Road

Roots Down Pilates, 135 S. Main St.

SPI Spot, 400 S. Main St.

The Salvation Army, 206 E. Ohio Ave.

UEC Theater, 11535 Upper Gilchrist Road

Head Start locations

New Hope Early Education Center, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mount Vernon

Danville Head Start, 808 East St., Danville

Fredericktown Head Start, 124 High St., Fredericktown

Gambier Childcare Center, 119 Meadow Lane, Gambier

Northgate Head Start, 20 Northgate Dr., Mount Vernon

Together, through strong community partnerships and generous donations, the Bottoms Up Diaper Drive continues to make a meaningful impact for families across Knox County.