The Valdosta Junior Service League is proud to announce that the Luvs & Hugs Diaper Drive to benefit Second Harvest of South Georgia collected 21,394 diapers. 41 area businesses and organizations participated in this friendly competition to help provide diapers to families in need in the Valdosta area.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, nearly one-third of the 400,000 Georgia children under the age of three live in poor or low-income households. Diapers can cost up to $80 per month, with babies needing 8-10 diapers per day. Without a stable and affordable source of diapers, infants and toddlers cannot stay clean, dry and healthy. Lack of diapers can prevent participation in early childhood education programs.

“Diapers can be quite expensive and are a luxury that many struggling families cannot afford,” said Second Harvest’s Eliza McCall. “We are thrilled the community responded to this creative campaign and know the thousands of diapers will have a positive impact on South Georgia’s young families.”

Henderson & Godbee, LLP won the friendly competition with a donation of 2,663 diapers. On Sat., February 25, the Valdosta Junior Service League honored Henderson & Godbee, LLP with a $500 donation to the charity of their choice. Henderson & Godbee, LLP selected The Haven, which is a local non-profit organization that provides emergency temporary shelter and services to victims of family violence and sexual assault.

“We want to thank all the businesses and organizations that supported the Luvs & Hugs Diaper Drive, and the individuals that donated diapers. The diapers will go a long way to helping families in our community,” said Bonnie Skinner, VJSL Luvs & Hugs Diaper Drive chairman.