Ventura County-based nonprofit responds to COVID surge in need for basic necessities
THOUSAND OAKS — Conejo Community Outreach (CCO), a local 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, has surpassed half a million diapers distributed to families in Ventura County through its community diaper bank. The diaper bank, which launched in March 2018, averaged 25,000 diapers per year prior to COVID-19. In March 2020, as the local economy shut down, requests for diaper support increased by more than 88%. Now, the diaper bank is averaging 225,000 diapers per year, regularly distributing more than 25,000 diapers per month to more than 300 local children.
To help keep up with the increased surge in support from the diaper bank, CCO is asking the community to participate in a community diaper drive to “fill the truck.” The CCO Fill the Truck event aims to collect diapers and wipes to then be packaged and distributed to families in Conejo Valley and the surrounding cities within Ventura County.
WHAT: Fill the Truck Community Diaper Drive (with diapers & wipes!)
WHEN: April 10, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Newbury Park High School parking lot (the truck will be parked in the faculty parking lot by the marquee, accessed through the Newbury Park H.S. and Reino Road intersection)
The highest requested sizes are sizes 4, 5 and 6, but all sizes and all brands are welcome and appreciated, even open boxes of diapers that are clearly labeled by size and brand name. Donations of unscented, sealed wipes will also be gladly accepted. Community members will be able to drive up and drop off donations, hassle free, and will be entered into an opportunity drawing for raffle items donated by local businesses. For community members unable to donate on April 10, the nonprofit accepts donations via its website, and also has an Amazon Wishlist set up. Those who donate between now and April 10 will be eligible for the raffle items.
CCO partners with and provides diaper support to clients supported by Friends of Fieldworkers, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Amigo Baby, First Five, Safe Passage Youth Foundation, Ventura County Public Health and more. Families receive a monthly supplemental package of diapers and wipes for each child in the family eligible for diaper support.
To learn more about CCO and its diaper bank, visit www.conejocommunityoutreach.com. To make a donation to support the diaper bank, visit https://www.conejocommunityoutreach.com/donate.html.
About Conejo Community Outreach — Conejo Community Outreach (CCO) is a 100% volunteer-run Conejo Valley-based nonprofit that supports families in Ventura County with basic necessities. Its community diaper bank, launched in 2018, is its primary resource, distributing more than 25,000 diapers per month to families and organizations in Ventura County. To learn more about CCO and its diaper bank and other initiatives, visit www.conejocommunityoutreach.com