Prestipino is a mother herself. She says the inspiration behind the drive comes from Sister Rosa who founded La Esperanza in Georgetown. She says, “Sister Rosa is my hero. She’s the one who is really behind this. In 2013 I met her through Toys for Tots. She said that she loved the toys but that her babies needed diapers, they needed the basics, and that’s how this all began.”
This drive has grown from collecting about 6,000 diapers at happy hours in 2013 to collecting 17,000 last year. This year it has expanded even more.
The plan is to pack this bus with diapers and pull-ups of all brands and sizes. On day one over 9,000 diapers are already stuffed inside.
Every1 Fitness is stepping in to help. “Anyone who brings in a diaper donation can come in and use the gym for free. They can take a class for free. If you’re a member out there and you want to bring a friend in to take a class with you so they don’t have to pay, just bring in a donation," explains owner Mike Anthony.
Anthony is a parent too. He sees the importance of a diaper drive. "Well thank goodness my child is 9 years old so he’s out of that stage, but it’s very expensive and there’s a lot of less fortunate people out there that just can’t afford diapers. They’re super expensive nowadays," he says.
In addition to Every1 Fitness, diapers and pull-ups can be dropped off or delivered through Amazon to Apple Electric. This drive runs through February 16th but it return next year and if Lisa has her way, it will grow once again.
“This year I got a bus. Maybe next year I’ll get a tractor trailer," says Prestipino.
No Babies Wet Behind will have a happy hour at the Summer House in Rehoboth Beach to collect diapers. It's set for Wednesday, February 13th from 5 to 8 p.m.