Auction to benefit Southwest Florida’s only diaper bank
If you’ve had children – or taken care of an elderly other or disabled individual – you know how expensive diapers can be.
Destiny Diaper Bank is the only agency in Southwest Florida who provides diapers to all those in need.
There will be a fund raiser Thursday, Aug. 27 to help the bank at Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. sponsored by Woman’s Life of SWFL and The Bridge Networking Group.
Recently, 1,200 diapers were donated on a Tuesday. “They were gone within on hour. That’s very common,” said the Rev. Rebecca G. Hines, who founded the organization.
“I look forward to all events; the need for diapers is tremendous,” Hines continued. “We need at least 10,000 diapers a month because we distribute throughout Southwest Florida – both Lee and Collier County.”
She started the diaper bank about a year and a half ago. “I started helping single moms as a project through the holidays, then I found there is a tremendous need for diapers.”
She’s been a Cape Coral resident since 1978, and set up her charity there.
“For adults and special needs kids, it’s horrible,” Hines said of those that lack diapers. “It can be abuse and neglect because of the lack. Right now, I have no sizes three, four or five diapers on our shelves.”
They receive between 40 and 50 calls a day from people who need diapers.
The Destiny Diaper Bank is a non profit 501 C 3 that provides infants, toddlers, disabled teens, special needs children and elderly with diapers and incontinent supplies, which are often too expensive for individuals or families to purchase on their own. DDB does not receive any federal funding.
“We totally believe in Destiny Diaper Bank and what they do. The government waiting list to get help with diapers can be up to five years,” said Margaret Wolter of Graphic Sign Solutions. She is the local North Fort Myers host for the Bridge Networking Group, that meets monthly in North Fort Myers at Bianca’s.
Their August meeting is this fund raiser. “We have a lot of great prizes given by the community.” she said. And a fun part? There will be a Chinese Auction where you place tickets bought for only $1 in front of an item you want. “You can win with a dollar, that’s the fun of these Chinese Auctions.”
The cost is just $18 per person for lunch, Chinese Raffle and Silent Auction. Giveaways and auction items include a Netbook computer, GPS, foursomes of golf, gift certificates to Indigo Hotel, Big M Casino, jewelry and more. All proceeds raised from the Chinese raffle and silent auction will be matched up to $500 by Woman’s Life. Raffle and auction items, diapers, and monetary donations are currently being accepted.
If you miss the event and want to donate, there are several drop-off points in North Fort Myers including Brightway Insurance, Body Works Gym on Hancock Bridge Parkway, Graphic Sign Solutions, Quality Self Storage, the VIP Center and Bianca’s.
Cape Coral drop off sites includes all Regions banks and more are on the Web site www.destinydiaperbank.com
Their funds come from donations and special fundraisers. The Bank is located at 1510 SE 46th. Lane, Cape Coral, Fl. 33904.
To make a donation to Destiny Diaper Bank call 549-2130 or e-mail destinydiaperlady@yahoo.com.
For more information on the event, contact Event Chair Michele Andre at Michele@TheBridge Networking.com or 225-5019.
That group is accepting new networking-minded members.