Ray of Hope’s annual Diapers and More Drive will kick off on May 1.

This is an opportunity for folks to help out infants, toddlers as well as special needs children, according to CEO Laura Saunders.

The Diapers and More Drive will go from May through June.

Her 6,500-square-foot Ray of Hope facility at 113 W. Yosemite Ave. will be used to accommodate the Diaper Bank – part of Babies In Crisis Program – which, in turn, can assists local agencies such as CPS, local law enforcement, pediatricians, etc., providing basic human needs per referral.

“Diapers are so costly and, for low-income families, even more so since they have to choose between food and diapers,” said Saunders, who is also turning to the community to request for donation of baby wipes, hygiene goods (ointment, baby powder, for example), and other related items.

“When babies are in soiled diapers for long durations, many factors can play into their well-being such as urinary tract infection – this could lead to kidney infection, rash and irritability, which can put a child in danger when a parent is already in a stressful situation financially,” she added.

With no diaper bank in the area, Ray of Hope, a local non-profit organization that recently returned after several years in hiatus, is once again turning to community members, service organizations, local businesses, schools and churches for their support.

“We have a huge need and a big job and as we are getting the new site renovated,” said Saunders, who is also hoping for the support of local businesses in the Diapers and More Drive. “We have to continue to meet the needs of the children in our community.”

For more information, call Ray of Hope at 209.883.6255 or 209.597.0574

E-mails can be sent to Heather Brotherton, Director of Client Services, at hbrotherton@rayofhopekids.com or Laurasaunders@rayofhopekids.com.