Lokyn Valleskey, who goes by the nickname Skey, is a junior at Manheim Township High School (MTHS). Since the fall of 2020, Skey has been helping the March of Dimes, first by holding a diaper drive and now by organizing a March for Babies team.

Although Skey's involvement with the organization, which promotes healthy starts for all mothers and babies, only began last Nov. 17, on National Preemie Day, his connection to the mission of the organization goes back to 2004, when he was born seven weeks premature. Skey came into the world via an emergency C-section, and he spent his first days in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) fighting to stay alive.

The son of Erin and David Valleskey of Lititz, Skey said that knowing the story of his birth has enlightened his perspective on the health of newborns. "I have always been told the story, and it has made me appreciate what the March of Dimes and hospitals do for children in the NICU," said Skey. Following Preemie Day 2020, Skey started considering ways he could help. "I contacted the March of Dimes to see what I could do locally," recalled Skey, who noted that options included a diaper drive and the March for Babies.

Skey began a diaper drive around Thanksgiving 2020 by reaching out to his neighbors, family, and friends. "They were very generous with their donations," shared Skey. "I can't tell you how much I appreciated it." Skey specifically asked donors for preemie-size diapers, along with size 1 and size 2. "It's the smaller children parents are not prepared for with an early birth because they are so unexpected (at that time)," he explained. "(The parents) probably have larger diapers stocked up but not the smaller ones."

Next, Skey devised a plan to increase the number of diapers he collected. "I wanted to take the effort a step further to reach outside my neighborhood," said Skey. "I thought of local places that would probably support this cause." Skey knew Oregon Dairy had held fundraisers for area organizations, so he contacted the grocery store along Oregon Pike. "They were glad to help with the drive," reported Skey, who worked with Curvin Hurst to set up a collection at the store and with Jon Hurst to film a promotional video that was posted to the store's Instagram and Facebook accounts. The in-store drive was scheduled to run from Jan. 11 to 21, but it was extended when diaper donations exceeded expectations. When it ended, Skey was able to donate 2,269 diapers to the March of Dimes, with the majority of those coming from Oregon Dairy customers.

Looking ahead, Skey is busy putting together a team for the virtual March for Babies fundraiser. "(Participants) sign up and run however many miles to show (their) support for the March of Dimes," explained Skey, who said those who wish to take part can run or walk on their own time. He is working to gather friends and others to take part, with initial efforts already raising about $400. The virtual walk is planned for Saturday, May 8. Those who wish to support Skey or join his team may do so at http://www.marchforbabies.org/MTMarchforHealthyBabies.