P&G EMPLOYEES ON DIAPER DUTY FOR HOLIDAYS

Employees of Procter & Gamble are on diaper duty at work and afterwards this holiday season.

About 80 volunteers from P&G staff Ye Olde Diaper Shoppe, which is open in West Park Mall five weeks through the holiday shopping season.

This is the sixth year the diaper-changing station has been open for shoppers with little ones. The idea was conceived in 1986 by Lee Atchison and a group of co-workers.

"We worked in an area of the plant that wanted to get to know customers a little better," Atchison explained.

They decided to go to the fair, meet their customers and take along some samples. Fairgoers were delighted.

"We got so much support we felt it was the right thing to do," said Atchison. Two years later the employees decided to expand the operation to holiday shoppers.

The shop features a clean surface to change babies' diapers. P&G supplies either a Pampers or Luvs diaper, wipes and powder.

Shoppers also receive a gift bag that includes a diaper, a Christmas children's book and Always pads, which, in addition to the diapers are also made at the Cape Girardeau plant.

This year a new item, Pampers Trainers, will be available at the booth. The new disposable training pants are not yet on the market but are being test marketed now.

In addition, a drawing is held weekly for a case of diapers.

"It's a lot of work," Atchison admitted. "Everyone here also has another job at the plant. People take vacation days, work on their days off or come here after they work a 12-hour shift."

She said at least 80 people are involved in the diaper shop operation.

The response, as expected, is tremendous. "Everyone loves this. I was in St. Louis recently and overheard a conversation. Someone was telling about this place in Cape Girardeau where you can change your baby and they give you a present."

Customers also pass along comments and suggestions that employees take back to the plant, explained Mike Miller, an electrician at the plant and project volunteer.

"It's nice to meet the customers, and people are very, very positive," Miller said.

"We will have probably 2,000 to 2,500 people during the five weeks," said Atchison. "People who buy diapers every week are very appreciative."

This will be Atchison's last year working on the project; she's retiring. But she has a crew assembled to take over the operation.

The shop opened Nov. 20 and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It will close Dec. 19.