Everett library staff collects diapers for shelter

Published 10:42 pm Monday, January 4, 2010

EVERETT — The Everett Public Library’s staff association usually does something nice for the community around the holidays.

This time, they decided to make diaper collection their focus after reading a story in The Herald in November about the bare shelves at the Everett Gospel Women’s Shelter.

The Everett library staff encouraged each other to give and they also invited the public.

By the end of the year, they had gathered a mountain of diapers — about 75 packages with a total of more than 750 diapers.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be able to deliver them all in one trip,” library director Eileen Simmons said.

The staff association had a nifty way of encouraging donations.

Each employee who brought in a package of diapers got a ticket for a raffle drawing for some fun little gifts, including a Nancy Pearl librarian action doll with “shushing” action, said library assistant director Kate Mossman.

Even without the incentives, the staff didn’t need much convincing, she said.

This year, the shelter is feeling the pinch of a down economy and needs donations more than ever, especially of diapers, baby wipes and toiletries, the mission’s chief operating officer told The Herald.

The shelter serves about 200 a night, including mothers with children. Diapers are an especially important need for children at the shelter. Not only are they expensive, but children at the shelter tend to be potty trained later.

Anyone can contribute diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes and other toiletries such as lotion, shampoo and toothpaste by contacting the shelter directly at 425-252-1297 or by dropping of items at the women’s shelter at 5118 S. Second Ave., Everett.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.