MANSFIELD — The Community Development Block Grant Diaper Bank was recently replenished.
Housed at Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, the diaper bank enables low-income families to meet the basic need of diapering their child, said Lisa Hall, Ocie Hill director.
Hall purchased about $3,000 worth of diapers and wipes last week, after Mansfield council approved the appropriation of $2,975 to be used for purchases within the diaper bank program the previous week.
The estimated number of diaper packages currently in stock is about 750, Hall said, noting that doesn’t include wipes.
The program, which has been in operation since February of 2015, distributes a monthly package of diapers and wipes to low-income families throughout Mansfield.
“It’s a big expense to diaper a child,” Hall said.
Over the past six months, Hall guessed the program served close to 800 families.
“I think it’s great that so many families have been assisted,” she said. “And that there’s a place to turn to in the community for this kind of help because some communities don’t have it.
“I honestly feel it’s one of the charitable causes that the child gets direct benefit of. So many times you give to things and the money doesn’t trickle down to where it’s meant to go, but with this there’s no doubt.”
Plus, the program is a great way for families to become more familiar with the many services provided by Ocie Hill, one of Mansfield’s “best-kept secrets,” Hall said.
Located at 445 Bowman St., Ocie Hill provides education for children, along with health and family assistance. It houses two educational programs, including Mansfield Choice Academies and the Culliver Reading Center.
A couple upcoming events to be held at Ocie Hill include the Harvest Festival on Oct. 26 and Trunk-or-Treat (date TBD).
For more information, call 419-524-2626.
