LENEXA, Kan. – It’s a basic baby need that’s not being met for many families in the Kansas City area.
Luckily, one local organization has your baby’s bottom covered.
Happy Bottoms Project Coordinator Olivia Wright has seen it a number of times.
"We'll count out the 25, we'll send them down to the line,” said Wright.
Wright said on the first of the month families will line up.
"Help us out, help these kids out in the community,” said Wright.
While Wright was lending a helping hand she recognized the need.
"You know that you're really helping a family out, and they don't have to decide this week over food versus diapers,” said Wright.
One in three American families struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. In the Kansas City area alone, nearly 23,000 children are not receiving the diapers they need to stay happy and dry.
That’s where 'Happy Bottoms' comes in. The nonprofit organization works with its social service agency partners to provide diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of the diaper need in the community.
"We knew that there was, you know, a reason for this to exist,” said Happy Bottoms Founder Jill Gaikowski.
The nonprofit organization first hosted a diaper drive in 2009, collecting 15,000 diapers.
"I think I just have to remember that we are making a difference; every little bit does help,” said Gaikowski.
Since 2009, Happy Bottoms has distributed more than 7 million diapers to families in need, giving a ‘hand-up’ and not a ‘hand-out.’
"It is a hand up in more ways than one, because we work with partner agencies in the Kansas City area. We're getting people sometimes, their foot is getting in the door at those agencies,” said Gaikowski.
"It's very rewarding,” said Wright.
Diaper Need Awareness Week is September 25 – October 1.
