Hudson Valley Diaper Drive

According to CBS News, the cost of raising a child to the age of 18 is $233,610. This number varies a bit depending on where you live and how many children you have, think hand-me-downs, but it's still a lot of money. I don't know about you, but I swear that a bulk of that money gets spent in the first few years of life with all of the baby supplies, cribs, car seats, formula, clothes that they seem to grow out of in a week, and diapers, lots of diapers.

Doing some quick calculations, if you use disposable diapers, they're not cheap. In fact, if I remember correctly, we spent about $72 a month on diapers which is a little over $800 just in one year. Multiply that times however many years your child will be using them and that adds up.

Which is why the United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region is holding a Diaper Drive until the end of this month. It's easy to help, simply buy a box of diapers or wipes, both would be great, and drop them off during business hours at the United Way's Poughkeepsie offices at 75 Market Street. If this is something you would like to do at your place of business or organization, you can sign-up by calling 845-471-1900 ext.3106.

You can also drop off donations at Crossfit, 696 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie and 7 Nancy Court in Wappingers Falls or at Allstate Agent Chelsea Wyant’s office, 266 New Hackensack Road in Wappingers Falls. Whatever you can donate is greatly appreciated.