Business : Monkeytown goes \'bananas\' over diaper drive

No longer will our delivery vehicles have to return empty. Monkeytown, an independent office supply business which delivers throughout east-central Iowa, has partnered with three local food banks for a special May Diaper Drive.

While many Iowans haven’t felt the full extent of the economic downturn, some families are struggling to make ends meet. Newborns, infants and toddlers are most at risk. Basic supplies are frequently the most expensive (e.g., diaper bills range from $70 to $100 per month and are not covered by governmental assistance) and local food banks plea for relief.

“Our delivery trucks were returning to our warehouse empty,” said Monkeytown Top Banana Kurt Karr, “and recognizing the needs within our community, we had to do something.” Consequently Monkeytown partnered with Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. (MICA), Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP), and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to address this urgent need for diapers and established the May Diaper Drive.

Monkeytown is located adjacent to the Benton County. Food Bank. “When can see with your own eyes the absolute need people have, then you have to act,” said Karr. “All of us want to do more but there are a lot of steps involved with getting donations to the people that need it most. Our goal is to fill our returning delivery trucks with donations, thus making it easier for people to contribute.”

How to Give? There are three convenient ways to give:

1) Bring your donation to work and call Monkeytown and ask for a food bank pick-up: 800-472-5957; or

2) Purchase specially priced items by clicking the Care Now button on our website: http://www.mymonkeytown.com/care-now-featured.php and visiting our secure online store; and

3) “Like” us on Facebook to help us spread the word.

Care Now: Each month, Monkeytown's Care Now initiative makes giving small donations to local food banks easy. By providing free pick-up, transportation, and delivery of donations, 100% of your gift will help the elderly, returning veterans and families in need who rely on our local food banks.