Our December Community Action Award goes to Kia Smith of Atlanta Diaper
Relief Organization.
Website: http://www.atlantadiaperrelief.org/
Twitter: @atldiaperrelief
What is Atlanta Diaper Relief Organization?
Atlanta Diaper Relief, a 501(c3), non-profit organization dedicated to distributing diapers to poor families in need in Douglas, Cobb and Fulton counties.
We are a diaper bank and through our diaper drives we collect diapers to low-income families in need with help from our partner agencies.
We will also ensure that families living in poverty have an adequate supply of diapers for their infants and toddlers; and raise community awareness that “basic human needs” include diapers and that these needs are not being met for children living in poverty.
I am proud of this mission and know that I can move mountains and eventually help thousands of families who really need us. Our motto is “We relieve babies, starting from the bottom.”
Since May, we have collected over 15,000 diapers through various diaper drives and donations. And on Wednesday August 31st, on behalf of Ronnie and Lamar Tyler and Pampers, we were awarded a one year supply of diapers for the diaper bank. This was a major accomplishment for us.
What inspired you to start Atlanta Diaper Relief?
Last year it really ticked me off when my son’s teacher left him in a soiled diaper all day. It was obvious when I picked him up that he probably hadn’t been changed since breakfast. The circles on his bright red butt cheeks should have been brown, but they were chaffed and scaly and he was crying and agitated. And so was I. His skin is just as sensitive as his delicate digestive system which can only consume coconut milk. Needless to say that was his last day at that daycare and probably the first day I realized that there are actually babies who sit in wet, soiled diapers because their struggling parents stretch its use because their dollars are short.
I started this diaper bank to help parents with a basic need that’s often overlooked. As a mom of five I understand this need. Atlanta is one of the poorest cities in the US and I want to do something to help impoverished babies in this city. They deserve relief too.
Favorite Quote:
“What I know for sure is that what you give comes BACK to you,” Oprah Winfrey
Two Words that Describe You:
Resilient & Ambitious
Favorite Food: Camicakes Cupcakes (It is a serious addiction)
Words of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
“Never let anyone tell you what you CAN’T do. If you’re dedicated to the cause, then make things happen and don’t wait for things to magically happen. If you believe, it will blossom. And surround yourself with people who believe in you too.
