Sixpence leading diaper drive in new year

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According to the National Diaper Bank, one in every three families in the United States can’t afford enough diapers to keep their children both clean and healthy as they grow, and that was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Not enough diapers mean babies can sit in dirty diapers for much longer than needed as some parents choose to provide either food or diapers for their children.

Katie Langner and Morgan Kozisek of ESU 6’s Sixpence are looking to change that for Seward County and its surrounding communities with their “52 Weeks of Diapers” campaign happening throughout 2021.

Sixpence is a nonprofit with the goal of providing help and services to parents of children ages 0-3.

“We’ve been thinking of this for a while, but with COVID, we’ve really seen the need of these families,” Langner said. “We’ve seen things being taken away and parents really struggling.”

So for 52 straight weeks, a diaper pantry established by Sixpence will take place.

For a week, local businesses in Seward, Milford and Utica can host a diaper collection at their location. At week’s end, Langer and Kozisek will collect the donations and distribute the diapers to families once a month, or as needed.

So far, six local businesses including ESU 6, Seward Public Schools and Awe Salon have signed up to host.

Community members can get involved by bringing in packages or wipes or donating money for the Sixpence group to buy supplies.

The duo will send out a notice on Seward Community Chat on what business is hosting the diaper drive week by week.

Sixpence’s goal by year’s end is 75,000, and they will be keeping track of how much is gathered at each business that hosts.

For those who are interested in receiving diapers and supplies, the Sixpence group asks an appointment be made by calling or texting Langner at (402) 641-4998 or Kozisek at (402) 587-1454.

This is open to anyone in Seward or its surrounding areas. Appointments for picking up diapers will begin Feb. 1.

Sixpence hopes to continue a diaper drive collection in October, Diaper Awareness Month, to stock for families who may be in need in the future.

“Diapers and wipes are expensive, and we just don’t want kids to suffer,” Kozisek said. “We want to do more, do better for the community.”