WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has made what it called a record-breaking donation of 600,000 diapers to LA Diaper Drive, a volunteer organization that provides diapers to low-income families in the Los Angeles area through a network of community charitable organizations.

CVS said Friday that a portion of the diapers will be distributed by LA Diaper Drive at "Los Angeles’ Biggest Playdate," a family festival co-hosted by CVS/pharmacy and LA Diaper Drive this Saturday at Rosecrans Park in Los Angeles, about 10 miles southeast of Los Angeles International Airport.

On hand to help distribute diapers will be actress Julie Bowen from the ABC hit television series "Modern Family" and who represents Baby2Baby, a partner of LA Diaper Drive that supplies families with essential baby gear and clothing. The playdate will also include children’s activities, refreshments and a CVS/pharmacy-sponsored health fair that will provide up to $150 in free preventive screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and more.

"We know that so many families lack everyday necessities like diapers, which can become an overwhelming financial burden," commented Eileen Howard Dunn, senior vice president of corporate communications and community relations for CVS Caremark Corp. "We are pleased to be able to support families throughout Los Angeles with this donation of 600,000 diapers and are so proud to play a role in giving back to our community during these challenging economic times."

Los Angeles’ high unemployment rate, currently at 12.4%, means that many families lack essential needs such as food, clothing, utilities and diapers. LA Diaper Drive strives to raise 400,000 diapers annually for distribution to its partner organizations, and CVS said its donation of 600,000 diapers puts the organization well above its goal for 2010.

"This diaper donation by CVS/pharmacy is our largest single donation by far — ever — and will allow us to give away more diapers in a single year than ever before," stated Caroline Kuntz, co-founder of LA Diaper Drive. "An infant uses up to 12 diapers a day. As many families in the Los Angeles area continue to struggle, these diapers really do relieve financial pressure that is on the parents for basic needs."

Remaining diapers will be distributed to families throughout the year by more than 20 of LA Diaper Drive’s partner organizations, which provide the diapers as incentives to attend important life skills classes aimed at improving lives and promoting safe and healthy families.

"It costs about a hundred dollars a month to keep a child in diapers," remarked Bowen, who regularly volunteers with the Baby2Baby organization. "These diapers will make a huge impact at helping families meet basic needs while also encouraging and inspiring parents to make a better life for their families. I commend CVS/pharmacy for supporting Los Angeles families during this time of need."

The event site, Rosecrans Boundless Playground, provides access for children of all abilities to play together and was built in 2008 through a grant from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust as part of the CVS Caremark All Kids Can program to enrich the lives of children with disabilities.