The Baby Grace Diaper Assistance Program at First United Methodist Church, located at 225 East Arrow, is beginning its eighth year. Presently the program is serving 25-30 families monthly and is giving away over a thousand disposable diapers every four weeks. Parents can receive a bundle of 12 diapers and wipes every week on Thursday afternoons between 1:30 and 4 p.m. No proof of income is necessary as the church feels there are times when every family’s budget cannot stretch for all their needs.

The Methodist Church congregation is the primary financial supporter of the program, however other local churches make contributions from time to time. The National Diaper Bank Network estimates that it can cost $75-100 a month to keep a baby clean and dry. Nationally, one in three families lacks the money for a sufficient supply of diapers. Last year there was a 12 percent increase in the cost of diapers. In addition, the sales tax on diapers is 4.225 percent , the same rate as luxury items such as beer and jewelry. Insulin, wheelchairs and internet access are tax free. Many families do not realize that disposable diapers are included in the back-to-school sales tax holiday held annually on the first week-end of August. Like the increase in the price of groceries, the cost of disposable diapers is a problem for many families. Childcare facilities require disposable diapers which puts mothers at quite a disadvantage when trying to work. Many families do not have washing machines and dryers for using cloth diapers.

The Marshall community has always been very supportive of the Baby Grace Program. The church is welcoming donations. Anyone interested in helping can contact the church office at 660-886-9697 and leave your contact information.