60,000 diapers and counting
It’s always exciting to see how our volunteers come together to support the work we do throughout our community. It’s especially inspiring to see different generations of volunteers working together, making a difference throughout the organization and beyond. For the past six years, JFS clients have been the beneficiaries of 12-year-old Sophie’s compassion and commitment to making the world a better place.
Sophie is a 7th-grade student in middle school, and she loves to dance, play the bass in orchestra, and go to Camp Sabra in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Sophie’s dedication to JFS and helping others began back in preschool when she and her mom donated canned goods to the Weinberg Food Pantry, and she got to stock the shelves. Later, when the family thought about having a family Night of Giving during Hannukah, Sophie suggested something around our food pantry. After discussing what was needed, they decided diapers were helpful to collect and donate. And that is how Sophie’s Diaper Drive began.
Sophie and her family send an evite asking our friends and family to participate via an Amazon Wish List and have diapers sent to their home. Then, they host a diaper bundling party so friends and family can come over to help bundle diapers. When the diapers are all bundled, JFS sends the truck to come pick up the bundled diapers.
Over the years, Sophie collected more than 60,000 diapers!
As you can imagine, Sophie’s parents, Dan and Renee, are very proud of their daughter and her diaper drive. “Sophie has been doing the diaper drive long enough that before we reach out to our friends, many reach out to us to ask us when the diaper drive will start,” shared Renee. “The diaper drive allows Sophie to sharpen her organizational and planning skills because she does all the tracking of the diaper donations as they come in. She connects with family and friends who participate and uses the opportunity to educate them about JFS and the food pantry, and she deepens her understanding of philanthropy and why community involvement and support are so important. There are so many layers of good things wrapped up in her diaper drive, and we love that she continues to want to do it every year and support JFS in this way.”
As proud as Dan and Renee are of Sophie, our clients are even more appreciative of her efforts. One client said, “Getting diapers from the pantry means everything to me. There were times I didn’t know how I was going to afford them, and it’s heartbreaking to have to stretch them too thin. This support takes such a weight off my shoulders and lets me focus on caring for my baby.”
When asked what makes her continue this incredible drive every year, Sophie said, “I know the diaper drive helps so many people who may not have access to diapers otherwise, and it's a fun thing to do with my family and friends. It's a great way to do a mitzvah and support the community.”
Way to go, Sophie! We are so thankful for Sophie, her diaper drive, and her impact!