The Villages of Indiana host annual Diaper Day INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Villages of Indiana is looking for the community’s help in collecting more than 35,000 diapers for its annual “Diaper Day” drive on Thursday. Organizers at The Villages are collecting donations at all nine of the nonprofit’s offices across the state. Krista Hays, director of community engagement and marketing for The Villages, joined WISH-TV’s Daybreak Thursday morning ahead of the drive. “We serve over 11,000 children and families each year,” Hays said. “Primarily through foster care and a Healthy Families program, as well as some other family services programs. In our foster care, 40% of the kids are age four and under.”  The Diaper Day drive will support families involved in the foster care system, The Villages’ Healthy Families program, and children of people who have aged out of the foster care system. Diapers of all sizes are accepted year-round. “A lot of the children who come into our care through foster care, a lot of times, they’re delayed in their potty training,” Hays said. “So, a lot of times we do need the larger sizes.” Hays adds that diapers can be an overwhelming monthly expense for parents. Assistance programs such as WIC or SNAP do not typically cover the cost of diapers. It’s a problem the nonprofit expects to see more of with federal and state cuts to food benefits. “A lot of times they have to make the decision, ‘do I buy diapers or do I buy gas and groceries?'”Hays said. “To be able to provide them with diapers and make sure that the babies stay dry and healthy, it’s huge, both for the baby and for the family.” To donate to the Diaper Day drive, call the nearest Villages location to schedule a drop-off time. Diapers can also be sent directly to The Villages through the group’s Amazon wishlist. ...read more read less