DIAPER DEMAND. Royal Credit Union's inaugural Diaper Drive, held May 1-31, will benefit regional communities. (Submitted photo)

Royal Credit Union announced the launch of its first-ever Diaper Drive on May 1, a partnership with area nonprofits Feed My People Food Bank, St. Croix Valley Food Bank, and Diaper Bank of Minnesota.

The drive will run May 1-31 and accept diapers and wipes (encouraged diaper sizes include 4, 5, 6, and 7). Donations can be dropped at any Royal Credit Union office and will be distributed to families in need within the local communities where the donations were made, according to a recent media release.

Team members from both Feed My People Food Bank and Diaper Bank of Minnesota noted diapers are often overlooked as donation items, even as demand has continued to grow. “For families living paycheck to paycheck, diapers are a critical need,” Kari Ullom Bakos from Diaper Bank of Minnesota said.

“As many as 50% of families are struggling to afford enough diapers for their babies, yet the cost of diapers is not covered by government assistance programs like WIC,” Royal Credit Union Community Engagement Coordinator, Heidi Cornelius, said.

“The difference a simple donation can make is astounding. Diapers are more than just a necessity – they are a lifeline for guardians who are doing their best to make ends meet,” Becky Rusak from St. Croix Valley Food Bank said.

Monetary donations to purchase supplies can also be made in-office or online at rcu.org/diaperdrive.

Chippewa Valley locations:

• Altoona (1159 Blazing Star Boulevard, Altoona)
• Chippewa Falls Downtown (215 Bay St., Chippewa Falls)
• Chippewa Falls South (1031 Woodward Ave., Chippewa Falls)
• Corporate Center (200 Riverfont Terrace, Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire Downtown (455 East Madison St., Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire South (4501 Royal Dr., Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire Southwest (1049 West Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire West (2415 Jodi Dr., Eau Claire)
• Menomonie East (2421 Stout Rd., Menomonie)
• Menomonie North (2615 Hils Court, Menomonie)
• Mortgage Operations Center (419 North Hastings Place, Eau Claire)

Find additional information at rcu.org/diaperdrive.