BELLOWS FALLS-Parks Place Community Resource Center welcomes October with two community events designed to support families and bring neighbors together: the annual "Rake in the Diapers" Fall Diaper Drive and "Community Trunk-or-Treat."
"These events bring together the best of fall - generosity, fun, and community spirit," said Parks Place Executive Director Jennifer Tolaro-Heidbrink in a news release. "By donating diapers, joining us at Dari Joy, or coming out for Trunk-or-Treat, neighbors are making a direct impact on families right here in Bellows Falls."
The fall diaper drive ensures local families have access to this essential - yet often unaffordable - resource. The average cost of diapers is now close to $150 a month per child, creating a heavy financial burden for parents.
This year's drive partners with the Bellows Falls Opera House. For each donation, donors will receive four free tickets to a "Classic Film Wednesdays" night. Diaper donations will be accepted at the Opera House only during movie showings.
Additional drop-off locations include Parks Place Community Resource Center, 44 School Street Ext.; Westminster Fit Body Boot Camp on Route 5; Sonnax on Route 5 in Rockingham; Saxtons River Village Market; Faith's Toyota & Ford on Route 5 in Westminster; Bellows Falls Moose lodge, Lisai's Market, Rockingham Free Public Library, and Fall Mountain Pharmacy in Bellows Falls; and Savings Bank of Walpole.
Parks Place also welcomes monetary donations, which are used to keep the community diaper bank stocked when supplies run low throughout the year.
A special collection day will be at Dari Joy Thursday, Oct. 9, from noon to 6 p.m. for a community collection push. Helpers may bring diapers to donate or hold a sign to spread the word from the curb - every helping hand (and every package) makes a difference.
On Thursday, Oct. 30, starting at 4:30 p.m., Parks Place will host a Community Trunk-or-Treat right in front of Parks Place. Local businesses and organizations will decorate their trunks and hand out treats, creating a safe, family-friendly celebration for children of all ages.
For more information, visit parksplacevermont.com or contact Parks Place at 802-463-9927.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.