Volunteers of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota are teaming up in an effort to keep Koochiching County babies dry.

With the partnership of The Salvation Army, Falls Hunger Coalition, and many local businesses, United Way is spearheading a diaper drive July 23 through Aug. 13 in International Falls.

To participate, community members can drop off packages of diapers of all sizes and wipes at the following participating businesses: Border State Bank, Bremer Bank, City Drug, County Market, Kmart, Koochiching County Health Department, KSDM/KGHS Radio, Stewart’s Super One, TruStar and Wells Fargo. Boise and UnitedHealth Group will be conducting internal Diaper Drives to add to the banks.

A healthy child will wear an average of 50 diapers per week, which amounts to about 2,600 diapers annually, according to organizers. Diapers can cost more than $100 per month and cannot be purchased with food stamps or through the WIC program.

In Koochiching County, more than 45 percent of children under age 3 are living in poverty or low-income families, a news release said. It continued that many parents try to make do without or stretch their supply by leaving babies in dirty diapers longer or reusing diapers.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, not having diapers means babies are spending more time in the same diaper between changes, which can lead to severe diaper rash and other health problems.

“There is a great need in International Falls for a diaper bank,” Beverly Mayfield envoy of the Salvation Army in the Falls said in a statement. “We are asked by families for this type of support often. By providing diapers for babies in need, you will make a great impact on young children of our area.”

It was noted by Nancy Anderson of Falls Hunger Coalition that some may see cloth diapers as the answer. “Falls Hunger Coalition has a limited amount of money to purchase diapers, but continually receives requests for them. Donations of this sort are so appreciated,” said Anderson. “We are thrilled to be starting area diaper banks and hope to have the community support to continue to provide this resource for families in need.”

The diapers collected will be housed and distributed by the Salvation Army and Falls Hunger Coalition. For more information, visit www.unitedwaynemn.org or call the United Way office at 218-254-3329.