COLUMBIA -- Thousands of disposable diapers and hundreds of dollars have been donated so far to "Diaper Change," a statewide campaign to serve South Carolina's low-income families through diaper donations.

Organized by BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina's Medicaid business line, the campaign's goal is to collect 250,000 diapers or monetary donations.

Locally, Diaper Change will be collecting diapers and donations at the Orangeburg County Fair, which will be held Sept. 28-Oct. 4.

"Babies in low-income households often spend an entire day in a single diaper, which is a health hazard," said BlueChoice HealthPlan President Mary Mazzola Spivey. "This is a serious community need that we encourage the community to support."

At monthly costs of more than $100 per bottom, keeping a baby in dry, clean disposable diapers is costly. Infrequent diaper changing increases the risk of health problems, and families with children in day care are required to provide disposable diapers.

Churches, civic groups and businesses that want to participate by holding their own diaper drives should call 803-382-5036, e-mail DiaperChange@bluechoicesc.com or visit SCDiaperChange.com. Individuals are also invited to drop off donations at My Gym Children's Fitness Centers at the Village at Sandhills in northeast Columbia and Village Square in Lexington. Diapers will be given to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lowcountry Food Bank and other local food banks for distribution.

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