The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Diaper, formula drive is a crusade for businesswoman Kathleen Didato
MIDDLETOWN >> A couple of years ago, Kathleen Didato was ordering at McDonald’s when the cashier said “You don’t remember me, do you?”
“You helped me,” the woman went on.
The young woman told Didato that at the time, she’d had a toddler and baby in a stroller. She had learned about “the diaper lady” — Didato’s nickname.
“‘You don’t know how much you helped me,’” Didato recalls the woman saying. “I was shocked.”
Didato, of Didato’s Oil Services and pres--
ident of Altrusa International of Central Connecticut, is still marveling at the encounter.
“It’s amazing how much we get back when we give,” she said this week.
Keeping local babies dry, fed and healthy has been a longtime crusade for Dadito, Altrusa members and community partners like the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Hundreds of families in the Greater Middletown region currently benefit from the generosity of the program, she said.
Dadito and others passionately support the great and growing need for diapers, formula and other basic care items, like ointments and wipes for infants of low-income families struggling to care for small children. The collection of donations is accepted year round for Altrusa’s Didato Family Annual Baby Food, Diaper and Formula Drive.
Since giving spirit is kindled at Christmastime, the project deserves a spotlight and a little love, organizers said. The diaper drive needs support to help families with kids under 3 to stay dry and healthy by supplying families with the highpriced and valuable necessities too often viewed as luxuries, said Patti Nettis Deegan, vice president of the organization.
Organizers suggest others participate by placing a donation box at a local business or store for pickup by the group, or perhaps a classroom teacher, school or parent group might adopt the project and pitch in to meet the need, Didato said.
“We want to partner with other organizations,” said Nettis Deegan. “We’re always looking to join with people in civic groups.”
Many young families are trying to feed and clothe young children on a limited income, and often struggle to stretch use of necessities to cut the “incredible expense of buying diapers,” leading to less frequent changes for infants and babies.
A lack of fresh diapers and proper formula could leads to health issues likes skin rashes or developmental delays related to a nutrient deficient diet, Didato said.
“What happens usually, families may get a holiday basket, but for children under 3, there aren’t any items,” said Nettis Deegan.
Items for the organization’s diaper and formula drive are collected, donated by and for residents in the Greater Middletown area. The need is continual, and distribution assistance is offered through St. Vincent de Paul Amazing Grace Food Pantry, said Didato.
Baby food, diapers and formula, including soy, are the most-needed and appreciated items, the organizers said.
Donations this year have been “a little on the slow side” so far, said Didato.
“We have so many people that give to the toy drives, but people can’t afford to buy formula,” she said.
By using coupons to slice costs, Didato manages to create $137 in value for every $100 donation.
“The cost of diapers is outrageous,” said Didato, who bought $300 in diapers and paid $162, she said. “The more we seem to cover the need, the need grows.”
Buying a can of formula or a pack of diapers “is an easy thing to add to your shopping trip, if you are able, Didato said.
“Just pick up a can of baby food, diapers, some soy milk,” she said.
Sometimes, Didato visits pediatric doctors offices and picks up unused samples, she said.
“The food is the staple of life,” said Didato. “That formula is made for developing minds.”
Hundreds of families in the Greater Middletown area rely on the items to provide a higher quality of life for their young in the face of economic challenges, she said.
“You would not believe the need that is out there,” said Didato. “I can’t even express the dire need for this.”
To donate to the 27th annual baby food, diapers and formula project, “Hungry Babies Are Not An Illusion,” drop off items or cash donations at Didato’s Oil Service, 151 William St., Middletown. To request a pickup, call 860-836-7611.