State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) hosted a successful Diaper Drive to help in-need neighbors in the greater Danbury region last week.

The duo collected just under 1,600 packages of diapers in a two-hour midday diaper drive conducted outside the Newtown Big Y World Class Market on Friday, September 20. The diapers were divided and delivered to FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown and Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut (CAAWC). The latter is a Danbury-based organization that serves 20,000 people within its 25 towns region.

Similar events were held last month in Bethel and Brookfield. Each collection resulted in approximately 600 packages of donated diapers.

The goal for last week’s drive in Newtown was 1,000 donated packages. According to Bolinsky, he and Foncello collected 1,573 packages of diapers, 823 of which went to FAITH Food Pantry along with $90 in cash that was donated.

“What a wonderful response from the Newtown Community, thank you! Diapers are not a luxury item for families; they are an essential part of the health and well-being of infants and toddlers,” Bolinsky said. “I have heard too many stories about the high cost of diapers. Parents should not have to be left to choose between this and other necessities.”

Foncello said he wanted to help after learning about a CAAWC program that was scaled back as funding dried up.

“Through the generosity of our community we’re able to bolster this program for their clients with newborns,” he said. “I am very appreciative of everyone’s support, not only at the Newtown collection, but at events hosted in Brookfield and Bethel Big Y stores last month for this program.”

Diapers are an expensive, but essential baby product. They are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nor the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

The Newtown State Representatives asked town residents for help by donating an unopened package or two of diapers for babies and their mothers who might be in need.

While diapers are expensive for any family, it is particularly burdensome for low-income families. On average, a newborn will use more than 2,700 diapers in their first year alone, which can add up to more than $550 (based on an average price of $0.20 per disposable diaper).