Behind the Scenes of the Boardroom
In 2021, I wrote a three-part series on purpose. The posts affirmed that everyone has a God-given purpose, how to fulfill it, and explored my heartfelt passion for serving others. I posed the question, “Do you know who you have been called to reach and how you can make an impact?” This challenged me to assess the work I was doing and discover new ways to use my influence and resources in a greater capacity. Join me for an exclusive look of the journey that led me to become a board member and the incredible work we’re doing in the community. Let’s go behind the scenes of the boardroom!
How I Got Involved
During this time, the world was experiencing a major crisis infamously known as COVID-19. The effects of the pandemic stripped millions of their livelihood and basic necessities were no longer affordable. People found solace by sharing their struggles online. A woman shared how she was torn between paying her utility bill and buying diapers for her child. This post touched me deeply and provoked me to research ways to help local families experiencing similar situations. I discovered Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida and connected with the organization after learning more about the mission, which is to alleviate diaper insecurity by providing free diapers to families experiencing financial hardship.
What I've Learned About Diaper Need
What makes my involvement with the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida so unique is that I’m childless. Therefore, I can’t relate to buying baby essentials or dealing with the possibility of not being able to afford them. Volunteering with the diaper bank has exposed me to an alternate reality that most are unfamiliar with including myself. I’ve learned so much including what diaper need is, how to address it, and the effort it takes to run a nonprofit organization.
Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy. It doesn’t stem from poor decision-making, but rather financial hardship and unavailable or inaccessible resources. Although federal assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC exist, they unfortunately don’t cover the cost of diapers. This exacerbates the issue and creates dire consequences. Based on the extenuating circumstances, babies are exposed to potential health risks and families are subjected to mental and emotional anguish due to the guilt and adverse conditions.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in two U.S. families struggles to afford an adequate stock of diapers that will keep their baby clean. The demand for diapers is continuously increasing, and the community has the ability to defeat it. A few ways to help alleviate diaper insecurity are volunteering by wrapping diapers, hosting a diaper drive, purchasing supplies from the Amazon wishlist, and donating monetarily.
I began supporting the cause by hosting a virtual diaper drive, but the work did not stop there. My passion for the mission grew and motivated me to do more. Since I’ve connected with the organization, I’ve hosted an in-person diaper drive, participated in diaper giveaways, donated supplies, served at events, and became a board member.
Being a board member comes with great responsibility that I don’t take lightly to be entrusted with. This role is about more than holding a seat. It involves effective planning and providing structural oversight while upholding integrity that enhances the organization's public standing. Serving on the board has reinforced my commitment to help end diaper need. My leadership skills have strengthened, my priorities have been refined, and my dedication is unrelenting. Having an active presence makes a difference. It has been such a prestigious honor to join a group of like-minded individuals to make executive decisions that shape the organization and support the mission.
The Impact I've Witnessed
There is so much growth to be proud of! Since I’ve connected with the diaper bank in 2021, the number of partner agencies has increased, the community has steadily supported in various ways, and the territory for reaching more families is enlarging. One notable milestone worth highlighting is the distribution of TWO MILLION DIAPERS!! Hear from the Executive Director and Founder, Crystal Parks, on what this means to the organization. "This milestone represents far more than just a large number. It represents two million stress-free moments for parents, healthier babies and a community that continues to show up for families in need. Every diaper distributed was made possible because of the generosity of our donors, volunteers, corporate sponsors, foundations, and partner agencies who believe no child should go without this basic necessity."
What I'm Looking Forward to During National Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 14-20, 2026)
National Diaper Need Awareness Week is such an exciting time of year! The purpose of this initiative is to draw the attention of individuals and communities to the issue of diaper need in our country. To help raise awareness, the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida launched the Great Diaper Dash, a high energy, hands-on volunteer event that unites sponsors and supporters to work together to bundle and wrap diapers for local families while bringing attention to the severity of families experiencing diaper insecurity in our area. No running shoes are required…just helping hands and a heart for service! The inaugural Great Diaper Dash was a one-day volunteer event where we set a goal to wrap 20,000 diapers in a single day. It was such a fun diaper wrapping party that consisted of good music and groups of people eager to support our efforts in a lively atmosphere! This year, we’re going bigger and better by hosting a two-day event where everyone will work together to bundle and wrap 50,000 diapers! During this critical week, I’m mostly thrilled to use my platforms to raise awareness about diaper need, encourage my network to donate, and partner with the volunteers to prepare diapers for distribution.
It's an esteemed privilege to be a part of an organization where I'm able to demonstrate the love of Christ by operating in my purpose of serving others. I’m so proud to support the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida! My hope is that you’ve learned what diaper need is, ways to address it, and my involvement as a board member. Through a growing network of community partners and generosity of donors, we are expanding our reach and increasing access to essential diaper supplies for families experiencing financial difficulties. Consider volunteering or donating today. Together, we can wipe out diaper need in Northeast Florida! To learn more about the Diaper Bank, visit jaxdiaperbank.org.
Written with grace,
Kiala
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!
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