WSAW-TV’s second annual Diaper Drive in the Wausau area raised 75,752 diapers and $14,688 in cash. At an average of 25 cents per diaper, about 134,504 diapers will be made available to families in need at The Babies’ Place and the United Way of Portage County. Nearly 1,800 kids in Marathon and Portage counties will be provided with diapers for a month.
“It’s amazing to see how the community responded for year two of the NewsChannel 7 Diaper Drive,” said WSAW News Director, Bridget Fargen. “Thanks to generous viewers we collected 30,000 more diapers and raised $4,000 more than in 2024. This will have a positive impact on The Babies’ Place and The United Way of Portage County. I heard so many incredible stories of generosity about people giving large and small amounts to both organizations, it just makes me so happy to hear about people giving to help young children. The need for diapers is not going down and this will ensure families, caregivers, and kids have access to a critical thing that all babies and young children need.”
One in two families struggle to pay for diapers. Unlike formula, diapers are not covered under state and federal assistance. That’s why 100 percent of the money raised will be spent on diapers going back to communities in Marathon and Portage counties.
NewsChannel 7’s Diaper Drive began on May 12. Throughout the campaign, viewers were encouraged to donate diapers at various drop sites within Marathon and Portage counties. Monetary donations could also be made online.
Two separate diaper drop-off events were held during the campaign. The first, on May 21 at The Babies’ Place in Wausau. The Dudley Foundation generously provided a $2,500 donation to help jump start the donations during the event. The second drop-off event was hosted at Paper City Savings Bank in Plover on May 29. NewsChannel 7’s Diaper Drive campaign concluded on May 30.
