Diaper drive benefits parents, children in caravan

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, fresh off of a successful re-election campaign, hosted the 6th Annual District 80 Holiday Party and Diaper Drive on Dec. 20 at Border X Brewing. Gonzalez’s district includes Chula Vista and National City.

This year the diaper drive was earmarked, in part, for the migrant caravan members staying in Tijuana.

The diaper drive has been successful, having received 102,000 diapers to date for Tijuana refugee families, according to Gonzalez’ chief of staff Evan McLaughlin.

“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community for this year’s 80th Assembly Diaper Drive,” said Gonzalez. “These health necessities will directly benefit young families living both in our community and those in Tijuana’s resource-depleted refugee shelters.”

“Our business concept is family oriented,” William Alexander, owner of Minilicious Donuts & Coffee in Plaza Bonita. “We will donate the proceeds we have, from merchandise, to non-profits that support kids. We donated 125 diapers.”

“It’s been great to support our local assemblywoman and to recognize and to fill the needs on both sides of the border,” said Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, mayor of National City. Mayor Sotelo-Solis contributed 4 boxes of diapers, 3 boxes of wipes, and five boxes of Desitin.

“Diapers have been delivered to Tijuana over the past several weeks through a number of volunteers,” McLaughlin said.