United Through Motherhood, the group that donates diapers to organizations in need throughout southwest Michigan, has started a drive to raise $10,000.
President Ruth Kremer tells us the Frederick S. Upton Foundation has given it a $10,000 grant that comes with another $10,000 match, meaning if the goal is reached, the group will get a total of $30,000. That’s enough to support operations for a full year.
Kremer says as part of the fundraising effort, they’ve launched Cats and Dogs for Diapers, through which you can help raise money and get your pet involved.
“You can nominate your dog or cat or gerbil or parakeet to be an ambassador for babies, and if that dog or cat receives $100 in donations from friends, families, and do-gooders, we will send them a diploma that looks remarkably like a college degree,” Kremer said. “It will say Ambassador for Babies and your pet’s name on it.”
Kremer says the pets are also registered to win gift cards from local businesses.
Neighbor by Neighbor in Union Pier is one of United Through Motherhood’s partner groups. Director Keri Haskins tells us they serve a lot of families in need of diapers.
“We had some parents that were kind of just going without or doing their best to stretch diapers, and we know that really is not good for the babies in terms or diaper rash and other things they could develop,” Haskins said. “So, now they have a free resource to be able to get these.”
United Through Motherhood gives diapers by the thousands to ten organizations in Berrien and Van Buren counties.
You can donate or enter your pet into the Cats and Dogs for Diapers contest online.
