For Immediate Release – May 5, 2026
Contact: Jessica Arneson, Community Engagement Coordinator, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties kicks off their 3rd Annual Diaper Drive to support families in South Wood and Adams Counties. From Mother's Day to Father's Day, United Way collects needed supplies for local babies. These supplies are distributed to agencies to hand out to parents. In 2025, United Way provided 44,383 items to parents in need.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Federal programs that help families purchase necessities, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), do not cover diapers.
Without clean diapers:
- Babies are exposed to potential health risks
- Mothers are at risk of increased maternal depression
- Parents are unable to access childcare, which requires a daily supply of diapers
- Parents miss work or school
34% of households in Wood County and 42% of households in Adams County are under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. 50% of children between ages 0-4 are below the ALICE threshold, according to the Wood, Portage, and Adams Counties Public Use Microdata Area. To learn more about our ALICE population, visit uwswac.org/united-alice.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Drop off donations between May 10 and June 21
- South Wood County: United Way office at 351 Oak Street in Wisconsin Rapids
- Adams County: County Market at 215 W North St, Adams; Adams County Library at 569 N Cedar St, Adams; and Lester Public Library of Rome at 1157 Rome Center Dr, Nekoosa
- Host a drive at your workplace
- Donate directly to the diaper drive at uwswac.org/diaper-drive-donations
“Diapers are a basic need, yet many families struggle to afford them, especially ALICE families in our community. Let’s put an end to diaper insecurity!” said Tari Jahns, CEO of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.