Moses Lake Rotary holds annual Diaper Drive

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Rotary purchased 8,537 diapers and more than 14,000 wipes for New Hope with money collected during its annual Diaper Drive.

The Rotary's donation is a huge benefit to the organization, said Suzi Fode, New Hope Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services program director. Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault seeking shelter through New Hope often come to the facility with nothing more than the clothes on their back.

"They definitely don't have diapers," Fode said. "I love the tradition of the diaper drive, and I'm so thankful."

Shawn O'Brien, of the Moses Lake Rotary, said this is the fourth year the club has hosted the Diaper Drive, and it was the most successful.

"Last year we bought about 4,000 each of diapers and wipes, and this year we were shooting for 5,000," said O'Brien. "We actually bought more than 8,000 diapers and 14,000 wipes."

Fode said the number of individuals contacting New Hope for advocacy services and shelter is increasing. New Hope housed about 100 people from Grant and Adams counties in its shelter in 2011, she said. This year the shelter has served close to the same amount of people and the year isn't over yet.

Last year, individuals stayed at the shelter for an average of 18 days, she said.

"This year the average is 13 days, so people are staying here less days but we're seeing more people," Fode said. "The shelter is full right now, and it's full almost 100 percent of the time."

Fode expects to see more people contact New Hope for assistance once the holiday season ends, she said.

"The need for our services tends to drop a little bit at the holidays since people try to hold it together for the sake of the family, but that doesn't mean people are safe," she said. "There is still a need and numbers usually pick up in January."

Since the Rotary club donated a large amount of diapers and wipes compared to previous years, Fode is hopeful the supply will last until the next Diaper Drive, she said.