HOUSE OF RUTH RECEIVES MORE THAN 2,000 DIAPERS FROM FIRST THINGS FIRST DIAPER DRIVE
COTTONWOOD, ARIZONA- (June 27, 2011) The House of Ruth, a faith-based center that supports pregnant women and new mothers in need of assistance, received more than 2,000 diapers from the Yavapai Diaper Drive, a project funded by First Things First.
First Things First is the statewide organization that partners with parents, families, and communities to support the health and development of all young children in Arizona.
“We chose to participate in the diaper drive because diapers are a big expense for the ministry, and because there is always a need for our clients,” says Merrilyn Jones, Director of the House of Ruth. “The diaper drive was a big blessing for us and this donation gives the House of Ruth more funds to spend on our clients in other ways. “
Through a program called “Earn While You Learn”, parents can receive free diapers from the House of Ruth after attending free classes to develop their parenting and life skills.
The Faith Lutheran Church in Cottonwood was one of the organizations that collected diapers for House of Ruth during this year’s Yavapai Diaper Drive. “It is the heart of the Christian faith to express God’s love for people in tangible and relevant means,” said Pastor Karl Schloeman of Faith Lutheran Church, speaking about his congregation’s choice to participate in the Yavapai Diaper Drive. “Each child, mother and father – both individually and as a family – is vital to the well-being our community.”
Diapers are an expensive necessity for new parents, and the House of Ruth is always in need of donations. So far this year, the House of Ruth has served more than 700 local women, providing counseling, information and material support.
Through projects like the Diaper Drive, First Things First is working to ensure that all young children have what they need to be healthy and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten. For more information about First Things First, please visit www.azftf.gov.
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