Roanoke family uses annual diaper drive to cope with loss

ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke household who misplaced an toddler to baby abuse unfold pleasure to different households in want with a diaper bag drive on Saturday.

This was the third 12 months of the Woody household diaper and diaper bag drive. Annually the drive continues to develop with extra households needing objects.

The drive is in honor of Amarah Lane who was killed by an abusive mother when she was 22 months old.

Amarah’s father, Brenten Woody, says the drive helps him and his household deal with the loss.

“I turned my ache into one thing constructive and I needed to offer again to households in want…simply anybody I will help give them a leap begin,” Woody mentioned.

All through the day, the Woody household handed out a number of diapers and diaper baggage to households in want. They had been surrounded by nonprofits that additionally like to assist others locally.

Melissa Gish, Jobs+ Coordinator for Roanoke Housing Authority, says the Jamestown Place Flats are considerably hidden in comparison with different housing developments within the metropolis.

“We needed to carry collectively the entire non-profits within the space to simply give again and present that we care and we wish to assist in any method that we are able to,” Gish mentioned.

This 12 months’s diaper drive was essential as costs enhance, particularly on child merchandise.

“It’s very costly and I do know what households undergo and it’s not simple. I attempt to make a distinction and attempt to give again,” Woody mentioned.

Saturday would have been Amarah’s sixth birthday. Her dad makes positive the story is advised and likewise advocates for households to proceed caring for their youngsters.

Every diaper bag had an image of Amarah’s face and a flyer explaining how she was killed.

“It wasn’t simple. It by no means will get simple. This proper right here actually helps me cope and actually serving to individuals out actually makes me really feel good,” Woody mentioned.