AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) December 22, 2017
Hurricane Harvey’s legacy goes well beyond the 50 inches of rain, widespread flooding and destruction that occurred during the cataclysmic storm in August. What resonates much deeper is the lasting effect of a galvanized public that rose to the challenge of rescuing those in peril; offering food, water and shelter to the homeless and rallying to collect supplies to help so many who lost everything.
It is this Lone Star spirit of giving that compelled a group of moms in Austin, Texas to act on behalf of families in desperate need of basic hygiene supplies for their children by organizing a community-wide diaper drive. As the originator of the idea, Carmen Padua says the diaper drive started small and gained tremendous traction once the public become aware of it.
“I was hosting a long-planned home party and just days before our state was hit by Hurricane Harvey,” she says. “I read where there was a serious need for diapers and hygiene items after the disaster, so in an effort to help during this time of crisis I decided to ask my guests to bring diapers and wipes to donate to the Austin Diaper Bank.”
Padua thought the diaper drive had potential to take off because she has friends “who are like-minded and would bring donations for the items that were in need.”
One of those “like-minded friends” is Cassandra Bujanda, who serves as a Community Ambassador for Cuties® Baby Diapers and Wipes in the greater Austin area.
“I knew I was in a position to help the Austin Diaper Bank,” Bujanda says. “I know of women that are active in the community and dedicate their time to Cedar Park and Austin. I sent out messages and people responded with donations! Carmen and I were both ecstatic about the outcome and donations collected.”
As part of the distribution effort, Cuties diapers, training pants, and wipes have been delivered to 25 agencies across Austin and surrounding areas for needy families. The drive has been so successful that another one has been planned for next year and as Cuties Community Ambassador, Bujanda is also doing monthly donation drives, taking orders for Cuties diapers, training pants and wipes. The donations will be shipped directly to the Austin Diaper Bank.
“I can take donations over the phone and those donations will be immediately sent,” Bujanda says. “I will also collect any diapers – not just Cuties – from homes or businesses and deliver them personally. While I am a Cuties Ambassador, I am also an Ambassador for the families in need.”
The post-Harvey diaper drive effort came together fast out of urgency and necessity, driven by Padua’s and Bujanda’s passion to help as many people as possible.
“The benefit to the community is that mamas and babies in our community are getting much-needed diapers, wipes and feminine hygiene products,” Padua says. “Something as small as help with diapers can make a huge difference in the quality of life of a financially struggling family. It’s a small donation for someone who is able to help but it’s such a big impact in the lives of those who struggle to afford those items.”
Contact Cassandra Bujanda, Cuties Community Ambassador, at 570-295-1354 if you would like to donate diapers or order Cuties® Baby Diapers and Wipes.
