Press Release: 3/11/2026

Town of Dudley and local nonprofit partner in diaper drive to collect more than 5,400 items for WDFS

Posted on March 10, 2026 

 

A newly formed partnership between the Town of Dudley and the Dudley Woman’s Club rallied donors to aid families who turn to the Webster-Dudley Food Share for diapers

When recently asked ‘what is your constant and immediate need,’ the folks at the Webster-Dudley Food Share said, “diapers.”

With this, the Dudley Board of Health and Dudley Woman’s Club teamed up to sponsor a February Diaper Drive.

“When the Webster-Dudley Food Share identified diapers as one of their most constant needs, the Dudley Woman’s Club and our Board of Health quickly stepped forward to organize this effort,” Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda said. “The Town is always eager to support initiatives like this that bring people together to help our neighbors.”

The month-long initiative sought disposable diapers of any size to assist families who rely on support from the Food Share.

A collection bin located in the Dudley Town Hall lobby was quickly overrun with donations. And by month end, 5,478 items valued at $3,343 were donated to the Food Share.

“I thank the Dudley Woman’s Club, our Board of Health, and everyone in the community who responded in such a remarkable way. Filling the Town Hall collection bin with thousands of diapers for local families reflects the spirit of Dudley and its greater community,” Mr. Ruda said. 

 

Pictured in group from left are Dudley Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda, Dudley Police Lt. James Annese, Dudley Asst. Town Administrator Olivia Antonson, Dudley Health Agent Justin Lapham, Dudley Assessor Clerk Kathy Sandstrom, Dudley Woman’s Club Director of Giving & Service Paula Roy

Van photo from left are Dudley Woman’s Club Director of Giving & Service Paula Roy and Jim Alkire of the Webster Dudley Food Share