Weis Little Ones Enables Customers to Donate Diapers and Infant Care Products to Families in Need

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Oct 18, 2010, 06:00 ET

SUNBURY, Pa., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Weis Markets today announced the launch of its new Weis Little Ones program, allowing customers to donate diapers, baby wipes and other infant-care products to babies and families in need throughout its market area. The program runs in Weis Markets' stores from Sunday, October 17 through November 27.

Customers can also make monetary donations by purchasing $1, $3 and $5 vouchers. Weis Markets will match these customers' donations, which will then be used to purchase Huggies diapers as part of its Every Little Bottom program. All donations will be forwarded to local food banks who have agreed to dispense infant-care items to families in need.

"Many families are struggling to make ends meet. In fact, according to a recent study, one in three moms does not have enough diapers or other basic baby supplies to take care of her baby," said Karen Buch, Weis Markets, Director of Lifestyle Initiatives. "This is a particularly challenging issue. While parents in financial need may be eligible to apply for government funds through WIC or SNAP to offset food and formula costs, these supplemental funds cannot be used to purchase the other essential infant-care items. With the support of our customers, we help will local food banks meet this critical need."

Huggies Every Little Bottom study of 2,000 mothers in the United States and Canada notes families who are unable to afford an adequate supply of diapers face difficult choices. Diaper need results in babies being kept in dirty diapers for longer periods or they wear washed disposable diapers which result in increased irritation and make infants more prone to severe diaper rash.

The report found that mothers struggling with diaper need miss school and work more frequently or they keep their child out of day care, which usually requires a day's supply of diapers. In the report, one mother said, "Having a clean diaper not only keeps their child healthy and well, but lets them know that they're cared for. I think it would be great if food banks and soup kitchens offered diapers also to those in need."

Other major Weis Little Ones sponsors include Johnson's, Weis Bear Essentials and Aveno Baby. Over the next six weeks, customers can purchase diapers, baby wipes, baby lotions, rattles or baby toys, baby shampoos, teethers, baby detergent and bibs or burp clothes and place them in designated donation carts.

A list of recipient organizations is available at www.weismarkets.com.

About Weis Markets

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets marked its 98th year of operation in May. It currently operates 164 stores in its home state of Pennsylvania and in Maryland, New York, New Jersey and West Virginia. For more information about Weis Markets, Inc., please visit www.weismarkets.com.

SOURCE Weis Markets