2024 Builders for Babies Drive raises over 610,000 diapers for local nonprofits
Every Spring HomeAid affiliates around the country give back to their communities by hosting Builders for Babies Diaper Drives and this year HomeAid Orlando’s was a huge success! Our goal was high- to collect HALF A MILLION diapers and wipes- and because of the generosity of the building community we soared past our goal and collected over 610,000!
The Drive, co-chaired by Kathleen Sturt of Richmond American Homes and Rachel Steele of Park Square Homes, was kicked off with a women’s empowerment Brunch on May 5th, at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. The highlight of the Brunch was a panel of local women leaders Christi Ashby, Alice Fairfax, Eryka Washington Perry, and Amy Sweezey. Hosted by Leadership Coach Tobi Moyle of Life is a Ladder, the panelists answered questions about the Grit and Gratitude that has marked their career journeys.
After the kickoff the official Diaper Drive ran from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, with companies in the building community vying for the coveted 1st place trophy, complete with diapered baby on top. For the third year in a row, Richmonds American Homes claimed first place, followed by Florida Paints and Park Square Homes. HomeAid Orlando’s corporate partner Florida Paints also hosted the Wrap Up Rally on Jul 21 at their Winter Garden location, where we met to load trucks, enjoy lunch, and announce and award the winners.
Four local nonprofits were the recipients of the diapers- the Central Florida Diaper Bank, the Christian Service Center, the Sharing Center, and Jewish Family Services Orlando. Heather Petrusky of Jewish Family Services said this:
“As you know, diapers and other baby products are very expensive and many of the families we serve struggle to cover their basic needs. Families facing financial hardship are often forced to make very difficult decisions regarding what expenses they can cover and what they will need to forgo. Thanks to HomeAid Orlando and the supporters of your diaper collection, JFS Orlando will be able to take some of this burden off their plates. The impact that your diaper donation will have on the families we serve will be truly immeasurable. We can’t thank you enough!”
HomeAid Orlando is beyond grateful to the building community for making this year healthier and happier for some of Central Florida’s smallest and most vulnerable residents! We’ll see everyone next year when who know how many diapers we can collect!