We are a TEAM of four. Together Everyone Accomplishes Much. In November, we distributed 49 sleeves of diapers. Two youth from our high school fellowship also volunteered, which were a welcome and needed asset. COVID has affected many; the diversity of our guests indicates that no one was exempt from this pandemic. From the car windows of our guests, we have seen that the need for diapers has transcended differences of race and ethnicity. Some of our neighbors speak fluent English while others speak no English and use a translate app on their phone to communicate. Some vehicles provide transport for two or three families without a car while others drive themselves in a seemingly good used vehicle. On occasion a newborn is cuddled in a car seat alongside another sibling. Often the dad of the household picks up the diapers. All our guests also have so much in common: we are frequently greeted with a big smile; always a thank you, sometimes with an added, “have a good day”; and two of our friends always leave saying, “God bless you”.
The line for food and diapers begins early. While we are setting up at 8:30 am, vehicles have already formed a line outside our church. At 9:00 am, there is a flurry of activity with many receiving diapers before 9:45. The pace slows a bit and then the remaining guests are sporadic in their pick-up time. No matter how well we have planned, as of late, we run out of diapers outside, and need to quickly retrieve more inventory. One month a volunteer laughingly shared how many steps she walked, going up and down the stairs of the church. What’s happening is growth! Babies are moving on to the next size diaper and our inventory is constantly fluctuating to accommodate size changes. Despite the cold weather approaching, families still come and we will be waiting. We distributed outside in the winter weather last year, and 2022 may offer us a repeat performance. In all this, there is camaraderie, a sense of purpose and HOPE. We are thankful that there is always enough, and that we will continue to receive the support of our faith community to fulfill the needs of this essential service.