ST. CLOUD -- Anywhere between $5.00 and $25.00 is the average price range for a 24 count box of diapers. For many families the price of buying diapers comes down to either putting food on the table or buying diapers, this is where Operation Baby New Year comes in to play.

This is the non-profit organization's second year hosting events during the holiday season to collect diapers in the St. Cloud area. Lead organizer, Justin Lewandowski says part of Operation Baby New Year's mission is raise awareness about diaper assistance.

"A lot of people don't know that diaper assistance is not something you can get through SNAP benefits, or food stamps. There's a huge gap in the amount of assistance that we have available in central Minnesota that's why we are sponsoring about a dozen local organizations that provide direct assistance."

Operation Baby New Year works with Catholic Charities, Anna Maries Alliance, The Salvation Army, The Tri-County Homeless Alliance, The Journey Home, Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, Lutheran Services and Place of Hope Ministries to donate diapers.

Last year the organization donated 105,000 diapers to local charities from their winter drive and another 70,000 during their summer drive. Lewandowski says they hope to double last winter's donations.

"Last year between the winter and summer diaper drive we raised about 175,000 diapers. We doubled our winter goal to 200,000, we're trying to raise what we raised entirely last year in one month to really stress the importance and create more conversations about diaper assistance."

The winter drive runs from December 1 through New Year's Day. The organization works with many local businesses to host events leading up to the final diaper count on January 1.

Some of the most popular events include The Rock and Roll Christmas Live at the Paramount Theater and the Pints for Pampers at Beaver Island Brewing Company.

You can also drop off diapers at several locations throughout the month. Some locations include Big Apple Bagels, Revolver Studios, The Pioneer Place and Paramount Theater.

For a full list of events and drop off locations visit the Operation Baby New Year website by clicking here. 

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