By Michelle James
The Register-Herald
BECKLEY — A West Virginia insurance company and a Beckley radio station have joined forces in effort to help stock the United Way of Southern West Virginia’s Baby Pantry.
The Love the Little Ones Nursery Drive, a partnership of UniCare and Power Country 105.9, kicked off Monday with an announcement at the Dream Center, which houses the pantry.
“This is a great opportunity for the Dream Center to again reach out and be able to help more families,” said Shelby Warden, co-director of the center.
The drive will run through March 26. During the effort, officials are asking that formula, diapers, strollers, portable cribs and infant car seats, as well as monetary donations, be dropped off at the Dream Center.
Additionally, the Eisenhower Drive Wal-Mart store will have donation boxes set up in the customer service area and students and staff at Stanaford Elementary School will collect diapers and formula.
The drive will end on March 26 with a Power Country 105.9 remote during an all-day collection at the Beckley Wal-Mart.
UniCare, West Virginia’s largest Medicaid managed care organization, kicked off the drive by presenting the Dream Center with a check for $4,000 as well as $1,000 in items for the pantry.
Mitch Collins, director of UniCare’s Medicaid field operations, said the health care company is interested in helping organizations committed to the betterment of West Virginians.
“As a health insurance plan, it’s important for us to look at the entire patient and all their needs,” Collins said. “If someone is having trouble with food, clothing and shelter and we can partner with organizations and try to satisfy some of those needs, we can then try to talk to families and reinforce the importance of doctors visits and all those things people don’t think about when they have all those other challenges.”
Margaret O’Neal, executive director for the United Way, said she is excited about the drive and thankful for the Dream Center’s support.
“We’ve had great support and we’re just very appreciative of UniCare and for the opportunity to keep the baby pantry stocked for the needs of the community,” she said.
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Donations can be dropped off at the Beckley Dream Center, located behind the Church of God Family Worship Center at 224 Pinewood Drive.
Also, monetary donations can be mailed to either the Dream Center or to the United Way, P.O. Box 5456, Beckley, WV 25801. Checks should be designated for the baby pantry.
