Rotary Club Grant Expands Free Baby Essentials Program at Aiken Women’s Center

Rural Health Services in Aiken will expand its baby supply giveaway thanks to money from the Rotary Club of Aiken. Moms can now pick up bags packed with necessities at the Women & Children's Center.

"They're going to have wipes, bottles, a thermometer, a first aid kit, and information packets on being a new mom," said Jessica Kovacs, administration and marketing manager at Rural Health Services, per WRDW.

The center operates a diaper room. Free diapers, formula, and wipes go out several times each day. Deborah McCarson, nurse manager at the center, said demand never stops.

Inside the diaper room, everything from diapers and wipes to bottles and clothes is available at no charge to families who walk through the doors. McCarson witnesses the struggle daily as parents face tough financial choices.

"Everything is so expensive these days, and it's hard to make a choice between what your child needs and keeping the lights on," she said.

Kovacs has two kids. She understands the strain on a family budget when you're buying bottles, diapers, and other necessities week after week. Making these items available at no cost matters.

"It is expensive. I only have two. I can't imagine families that have three, four, and with only one parent working or whatever the case may be, everyone's case is different, and I hope our diaper room is able to help the need that is there," she said.

You'll find the diaper room inside Rural Health Services Women & Children's Health Center, where community donors stock the shelves.