UniCare, Power Country 105.9 Hold Nursery Drive for the Beckley Dream Center

BECKLEY, W.Va., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc. (UniCare), and Power Country 105.9/Southern Communications Corporation are working together to replenish the baby pantry at the Dream Center, which is part of the Fishes and Loaves outreach of the Church of God Family Worship Center, during the Love the Little Ones Nursery Drive. The Love the Little Ones Nursery Drive will begin on Monday, March 15 at the Dream Center and will conclude on Friday, March 26 at the Walmart on N. Eisenhower Drive.

In addition, Stanaford Elementary School will be collecting diapers and formula for the baby pantry during the nursery drive.

The Dream Center's Baby Pantry, established by United Way of Southern West Virginia, provides items such as diapers, formula, infant car seats, portable cribs, strollers and infant clothing to families in the Raleigh County area with children one year of age and under.  However, the need is increasing due to the economic downturn in the country.  

"Sadly, we find that many families in our area just don't have the means to provide basic items for their new born babies," said Marsha Smith, co-director of the Dream Center. "This should be a joyous time for the family; however, without our help, we see families struggling to provide diapers, formula and even a proper crib so their baby can sleep safe at night."

"Some families can't afford a car seat to bring their newborn home from the hospital and the hospital won't let them take their baby home without a car seat," she said.

UniCare, West Virginia's largest Medicaid Managed Care Organization kicked off the drive with a $4,000 cash contribution and $1,000 worth of items for the pantry.  "UniCare has worked with the Dream Center over the years, and we are excited to expand our relationship and help families that are experiencing economic challenges," said Mitch Collins, UniCare's director of Medicaid field operations.

The Dream Center is requesting cash contributions and the following baby pantry items: diapers, formula, infant car seats, portable cribs and strollers. The items can be dropped off at either the Church of God Family Worship Center or the Dream Center, both located off Robert C. Byrd Drive on Pinewood Drive. Cash contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to "Beckley Dream Center."

Any families needing assistance should contact the Dream Center at 304-252-3402.

About UniCare

UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc. is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. For more information, visit UniCare at www.unicare.com.  ® Registered mark of WellPoint, Inc.

SOURCE UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc.