Briefs: Diaper Bank celebrates 1 million

The Valley Diaper Bank, a grass-roots coalition of 54 Valley social-service agencies, has distributed its 1 millionth diaper.

In its latest distribution, the Diaper Bank provided 71,562 disposable diapers to partner agencies that assist families with babies, seniors and disabled adults and children. Since the first Valley Diaper Drive in 2003, the total number of diapers collected and distributed now stands at 1,022,198.

"Distributing our 1 millionth diaper is indeed a major milestone in Valley nonprofit history," said Bill Andres, co-chairman of the Valley Diaper Bank. "These donated diapers have helped tens of thousands of Valley babies, seniors and people with disabilities, but we can't rest on our accomplishments because the need continues to be so great."

The Diaper Bank's partner agencies need an estimated 1.5 million diapers a year for their clients, and in this economic downturn, many agencies are forecasting even greater needs. Diapers are a necessity for many families, but they are expensive. Some families struggle with this expense because Medicare, WIC, food stamps and other safety-net social programs won't pay for diapers.

The Valley Diaper Bank always accepts donations of clean unopened packages of disposable diapers, and they will hold their seventh annual "Valley Diaper Drive" in the spring. Diapers collected throughout the year are distributed to non-profits, government agencies and faith-based organizations.

Madison saluted for tech program

The Madison School District received the Golden Bell Award for its technology program from the Arizona School Board Association.

CATS, MICE, and CATNIP in Madison snared first place in the districtwide category among 37 entries. The terms are acronyms for programs that provide voluntary technology training for teachers to integrate technology in the classroom.

Animal walk raises nearly $100K

The Walk to Save Animals, which benefits the Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, attracted more than 1,500 adults and children and at least 700 dogs, generating nearly $100,000 in pledges.

The attendance and funds raised were records for the walk.

The walk was held Nov. 15 at Tempe Town Lake.

AAWL/SPCA uses funds raised from the walk to provide temporary homes for about 2,000 dogs and cats each year, many of them rescued shortly before they are scheduled for euthanasia.

To view photos of the walk, donate or learn more about AAWL/SPCA, go to www.aawl.org.

Phoenix College open house

Phoenix College plans an open house at 9 on Friday at its downtown campus, 640 N. First Ave.

The open house includes tours of the First Friday art exhibit and new additions to the campus including the new Electronic Courtroom. The PC Downtown Campus was designed to better serve the needs of paralegal students.

Bethune carnival is Saturday

The Bethune School Carnival is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday.

All proceeds will be donated to Free the Children. The donations will benefit youths in Latin America with books, school supplies, food and clothing. The school is at 1310 S. 15th Ave.