WMTV-TV in Madison raised an incredible 1,055,846 diapers in just one week for The Village Diaper Bank during its 6th Annual Diaper Drive. The campaign collected 22,001 diapers and raised $165,415 in cash donations – $156,352 of that total in just one day!
The Village Diaper Bank, which distributes more than 179,000 diapers per month to families in need in the southern Wisconsin counties of Dane, Green, Jefferson and Columbia, through 36 partner agencies. With their buying power, $1 can buy $3 worth of diapers.
“The mission of the Village Diaper Bank is to eradicate diaper need to improve the physical, mental, and economic health of the families we serve,” said Erin Woodard, Executive Director of The Village Diaper Bank. “Diapers donated through the WMTV Diaper Drive are essential to this goal and will be provided to our partner agencies so local children have the resources they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to WMTV15 News for amplifying our efforts and to the community for their participation in this year’s drive.”
The 2026 drive was held over a one-week period from Feb. 25 to March 4. Those who donated diapers in-person could drop them off at 15 community drop sites.
News stories during the week-long campaign highlighted the need and costs for families. The fact that public assistance benefits cannot be used to purchase diapers was also explained.
“Our viewers’ generosity in providing diapers truly changes lives,” said Don Vesely, Regional Vice President, Gray Media – Wisconsin. “It supports the health and development of a child and gives a mom the ability to use daycare so she can work and provide for her family. Every package of diapers and every dollar donated this year makes a real difference for local families.”
WMTV 15 News Director Bridget Fargen said, “As a mom, I know how quickly a kid goes through diapers and they’re not cheap. To see the community respond to help other parents who need a hand is amazing. It’s a team effort in the newsroom to share all the stories in the community and I’m proud of how our efforts will help a lot of families.”
