Assisting You: Volunteer at the Diaper Bank
HOST AILSA CHANG here, dip into another slice of the American support pie in our continuous series, Here to Help. Today, we venture into Silver Spring, Maryland, where a group of volunteers are stepping up to meet a key need for new parents: diapers.
COLLEEN TEIXEIRA MOFFAT (Volunteer Leader): Hey there, we're at the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank's warehouse, and today, we've gathered some community volunteers to lend their helping hands and bundle diapers for distribution across town to fams in need.
Squeak of tape
MOFFAT: Yo, I'm Colleen Teixeira Moffat, and today, I'm a warehouse warrior with the Greater D.C. Diaper Bank. We're unpacking the diapers and grouping 'em in sets of 25. These bundles are to be sent to our community partners for distribution to families in need. It's one of my favorite volunteer activities I've ever done, and at the end of it, we count up the diapers and tally up the number. There's this nice sense of accomplishment—let's say we managed 2,000 diapers! It's always a nice, cathartic, big number.
Squeak of tape
MOFFAT: Truthfully, it's such a fundamental, basic need. Imagine being deprived of those essentials! And the other reason I personally show up here? When things feel a little dodgy and out of whack worldwide, in my own life, this place always helps me feel better, 100 percent of the time.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Got it?
MOFFAT: Yeah, make sure everything gets tallied. Alrighty then!
Moving diapers aside, let's chat about how you can join the cause! Here's a heads-up on some diaper bank organizations in Maryland and steps to follow to volunteer.
Diaper Bank Organizations in Maryland
- Diaper Bank of Maryland — Based in Baltimore, this organization offers diapers for low-income families in Maryland, and they welcome volunteers to join in tasks like sorting, packaging, and administrative tasks.
- National Diaper Bank Network — Although a national organization, they have partners in Maryland that are frequently seeking extra helping hands.
- United Way of Central Maryland — They might have initiatives or support other organizations closely tied to Maryland diaper banks.
Steps to Volunteer
- Reach Out Directly: Directly contact diaper banks or other local organizations. They usually have specific days or times for volunteers.
- Website Check: Look through their websites to find volunteer sign-up forms or contact information for volunteer coordinators.
- Community Events: Lend your support at community events or fundraisers that contribute to diaper banks.
- Follow on Social Media: Keep up with local diaper banks and related organizations on social media to stay updated on volunteer opportunities and events.
- Use Volunteer Matching Platforms: Platforms like VolunteerMatch can help you find opportunities with organizations that support Maryland diaper banks.
Start feeling that warm-and-fuzzy volunteer vibe! Share your inspiring service stories or suggest someone for us to interview at npr.org under Here to Help.
(SOUNDBITE OF NIKI SONG, "EVERY SUMMERTIME")
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- Embarking on a journey of sustainable living, one could consider volunteering at diaper banks, such as the Diaper Bank of Maryland, which not only helps meet a basic necessity for families in need but also offers an opportunity to align with a home-and-garden lifestyle that promotes community support.
- By committing time and effort to sustainable-living initiatives like volunteering at diaper banks, individuals can enrich their lifestyle, foster a sense of community, and contribute to a more sustainable world, making each day a rewarding experience.
