Resident leads diaper drive for sextuplets

BY LARRY RAMER
Staff Writer

GARY GELLMAN The Hayes sextuplets of Marlboro will require many diapers and wipes over the next few years, and that’s why Annette Sherman has organized a diaper drive that she hopes the community will support. MARLBORO — Six babies will need a huge number of diapers.

That is one of the challenges Eric and Elizabeth Hayes are facing in caring for the six new additions to their family.

On Sept. 14, Elizabeth gave birth to sextuplets — Tara Rose, Rachel Ann, Rebecca Mary, Ryan Peter, Connor James and Eric John Jr. The sextuplets joined four siblings.

Eric Hayes is a patrolman with the Marlboro Police Department.

In an attempt to ensure that the family has what it needs, township resident Annette Sherman has organized a diaper drive for the sextuplets. Baby wipes are also needed, she said.

Diapers and wipes for the Hayes babies may be dropped off at the following locations:

• the Marlboro Recreation Commun-ity Center, Wyncrest Road.

• the Robertsville Firehouse, Route 520.

• the office of St. Clement’s Church, Route 79, Matawan.

• the CCD office at St. Gabriel’s Church, Route 79, Marlboro.

Ellen Grasso, Esther Hogan and Barbara Lurie are also volunteering to assist in the diaper and wipes drive.

Sherman said companies are not donating diapers to the Hayes family.

“There have been many rumors in the community that the Hayes family is receiving diapers for life from companies that have come forward. Actually, companies are not offering free diapers to families with multiple births as they have in the past,” she said.

Sherman, who said she is the mother of quadruplets, was asked whether she had given any advice to Eric and Elizabeth Hayes.

“I told them the same thing I tell everybody,” Sherman said. “They need a lot of love and patience because [raising a large family] is wonderful, but it’s a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day job that doesn’t end.”

However, Sherman, who has known Eric Hayes for two years, said she is sure the parents will be all right.

“They’re great parents and great people. They’ll do just fine,” Sherman said, adding that several professional nurses have volunteered time to help take care of the six babies.

But the Hayes family still needs additional help, Sherman said.

“It’s really important for the community to get together by donating diapers and wipes. The Hayes family really needs our support,” she said.