D.I.A.P.E.R. Project
Community Presbyterian Church of Charlestown Indiana
1370 Monroe Street
Charlestown, IN 47111
Dear Rev. Jackman and members of the Presbytery Ohio Valley,
It is my privilege to share with you the story of our mission, D.I.A.P.E.R Project.
On March 18, 2015, we opened our doors to service the youngest members of our community. One out of every three families with small children struggles to provide diapers, wipes, and non-food essentials for their babies and toddlers. These items cannot be purchased through WIC or with food stamps. With over twelve percent of our county’s population living below the poverty line, and others struggling financially, even for working parents, money is often not available for essentials and nutritional food. It is our goal to ensure that all babies remain clean, dry, and healthy.
Currently, we service 45 children per month, and the number continues to grow every week. We distribute diapers, wipes, wash, lotion, ointments, bottles, food items, and some first aid supplies. Each child is given approximately $20 – $40 dollars worth of essentials per month. Our parents have expressed their gratitude for our assistance, and several have brought their children for us to meet. Some parents have jobs, but still need assistance. Others have been laid off from work, are currently on leave, or have encountered other financial hardships. One mother comes to us because her husband left the state with his girlfriend, leaving her with no income and two infants. Another is struggling with a child who has a medical condition which does not allow him to digest solid food; she needs help providing Pedi sure. A few of our parents have been so grateful for the assistance that they have brought in donations of things they cannot use. Their ability to donate, even though they need it themselves, gives them satisfaction in knowing they are helping others.
We would like to thank the POV for providing us with a grant to help us open the doors and help our children. It is because of your support that we are able to be a blessing and help to our community. We are always open to receiving donations, and anyone who wishes to contribute may do so by contacting us at the above address.
Blessings,
Donna McCreary-Bowen