Media Resources

For media inquiries or questions, please contact: 

Hannah Hetland, Communication and Marketing Manager 

Email: hannah@unitedwaypoco.org  Direct: 715-254-2192

 

Not a Media inquiry? Visit our Contact Us page. 

Press Releases 

 

 

United Way of Portage County’s Diaper Drive Sets New Record: Over 60,000 Diapers and Baby Supplies Donated! 

 

Stevens Point, WI – Wednesday, July 9, 2025 – United Way of Portage County is excited to announce a record-breaking outcome for its annual Diaper Drive. Thanks to the generosity of the community, more than 60,000 diapers were collected, along with baby wipes, diaper cream, and formula valued over $16,000. In addition, the drive received an outstanding $29,000 in monetary donations.

 

“This is a historical moment for our Diaper Drive,” said Stephany Nellessen Zeyadeh, Community Engagement Coordinator of United Way of Portage County. "To put this into perspective, last year we collected around $9,000 worth of physical supplies– this year, we've nearly doubled that.”

 

The Diaper Drive was supported by 27 local businesses and organizations who served as collection sites. Paper City Savings collected over 21,000 diapers, while Ki Mobility gathered more than 17,000 diapers, with both organizations hosting friendly internal competitions between departments to encourage donations. Additionally, Prevail Bank generously volunteered for the second consecutive year to help count, sort, and pack diaper bags, ensuring donations were ready for distribution.

All donations from the Diaper Drive will help provide diapers and supplies for the existing six diaper distribution sites: Operation Bootstrap, The Kid’s Closet, Interfaith Food Pantry, Rosholt Food Pantry, Almond Public Library, and the International Bank of Amherst. 

 

Additionally, donations will help stock United Way of Portage County’s new diaper and hygiene bank, which is set to open later this summer inside The Community Thrift Store in Stevens Point. The new diaper and hygiene bank will offer more consistent availability for families to have access from Monday to Saturday. “We could reach more people and have more open hours so people could come in and get diapers,” said Zeyadeh. All of the support allows the monthly diaper limit per family to increase from 50 diapers to 75 diapers and stock a wide range of in-demand sizes.

 

United Way of Portage County would like to thank the community, volunteers, businesses, and organizations who made this year’s Diaper Drive a success.

 

For more information about the Community Diaper Drive or other United Way of Portage County programs, please visit https://www.unitedwaypoco.org/, or call the office at 715-341-6740. 

 

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About United Way of Portage County 

United Way of Portage County is committed to identifying and serving the most current and critical needs of our community’s most vulnerable populations with programs that provide measurable results. To learn more, visit unitedwaypoco.org. 

 

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2025
Stevens Point, WI
United Way of Portage County Distributes $300,000 to Local Nonprofits Through Otto Bremer Trust Funding
 
Stevens Point, WI-United Way of Portage County is proud to announce the distribution of $300,000 in grant funding to five local nonprofit organizations, as part of the first round of the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund (OBT-CRF). This funding represents a major investment in Portage County’s community infrastructure, supporting vital programs that address health, youth development, childcare, mental health, and workforce opportunities.
The Otto Bremer Trust selected the United Way of Wisconsin network as its philanthropic intermediary to ensure funds were distributed efficiently and strategically across the state. As a result, United Way of Portage County directed $300,000 locally, contributing to the statewide total of $2 million granted through the OBT-CRF.
The following Portage County nonprofits received grant awards:
  • Noble Community Clinics – Pediatric & Special Needs Dental Wing
  • Boys & Girls Club of Portage County – Great Futures Program
  • Childcaring Inc. – WI Pyramid Model Training
  • Opportunity Development Center (ODC) – Opportunity for Hope Program
  • CAP Services – Mental Health Navigator Program
 
Each organization was nominated and vetted based on Otto Bremer Trust’s funding guidelines, which include nonprofit governance standards, financial thresholds, and potential for community impact. The selection process prioritized alignment with both statewide focus areas and local community needs.
“Behind every dollar is a story. A story of a child gaining opportunity, a family accessing care, or a neighbor finding hope,” said Fred Hebblewhite, CEO at United Way of Portage County. “This $300,000 in funding will ripple through our community, creating positive change that lasts far beyond today.”
The Community Responsive Fund’s 2025 focus areas are reflected in the diversity of initiatives supported, from increasing access to mental health services to supporting youth and families.
For more information on the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund and the full list of funded organizations, visit www.unitedwaywi.org/page/OttoBremerTrust.
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Contact:
Mae Nachman
VP of Community Impact
715-254-2183
United Way of Portage County is a locally governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of community challenges. Through partnerships with over 30 programs across 13 agencies, we focus on three key areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, and Financial Security. We're committed to improving lives and advancing the common good right here in Portage County. For more information visit unitedwaypoco.org.
About the Otto Bremer Trust
The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by business and community leader Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting an enhanced quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $1 billion in its region’s people, places, and opportunities. Visit ottobremer.org.