State Rep. Spain collects thousands of diapers for families in his district

State Rep. Ryan Spain’s annual Holiday Diaper Drive collected more than 14,000 diapers and more than 16,000 wipes for families in need this holiday season.

This brings the seven-year donation drive total organized by the Peoria Republican to more than 82,500 diapers.

All donations are distributed to local food and diaper pantries in the 73rd House District, including the Bureau County Food Pantry, Freedom House and the Western Bureau County Food Pantry.

“When my team and I held our first diaper drive several years ago, I could not have imagined how successful this annual event would become,” Spain said in a news release. “To everyone who donated, thank you. Thanks to your immense generosity, local families in need will be able to sleep a little easier this holiday season, and that is the best gift anyone can receive.”

Spain and his team were inspired to initiate the annual diaper drive after recognizing a need across communities. Nearly one in two families in the U.S. struggle to afford diapers, but programs like WIC and SNAP do not cover diapers and many other items families need to care for a baby. Many families in need turn to local food pantries in times of need, but it’s often difficult for local food pantries to keep up with the need for diapers, wipes and cream, Spain said. This annual diaper drive has become a way to help fill the gap as the holiday season approaches, the state rep. said.

Spain thanked local partners who served as remote donation sites and Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois for once again dropping off an ambulance full of donations.