Chelsea and her daughter
When Hope Supply Company launched the Chrystal Charity Ball Diaper Pantry in January 2023, they knew it would be yet another extraordinary way they could serve at-risk and homeless families. Though Hope Supply was already providing upward of 250,000 diapers a month through partner agencies, the opportunity to meet families directly and attend to their specific needs has become an unexpected joy. According to Barbara Johnson, CEO, “We knew the pantry supplies would be a blessing to our clients, but we hadn’t counted on what an impact our relationship would have on them as well.”
For example, meet Chelsea. She has visited the pantry each month for about 14 months to pick up packs of diapers, wipes and sometimes grooming items and clothes. With each visit time, she has developed a fondness for the staff and they with her. “We have a great relationship. They're always wanting to know how my baby is doing and how I'm doing. It’s nice. I don't really have many friends—I mostly stick to myself. So it is kind of nice, when I do get out of the house, to have some chitchat with some ladies,” Chelsea explains.
Because of negative experiences elsewhere, she wasn’t sure what kind of attitudes and prejudices she’d encounter at Hope Supply. “I never have that anxiety build up when I'm about to walk in the door here. It feels really good. Nothing's making you feel bad about needing to get some help for right now. In fact, it’s fun to bring the baby and see the doggies. We have a good time every time we visit.” Chelsea says.
Dolores and her sister-in-law Maria agree. “There have been some moments when we’ve gone to ask for assistance in other organizations and the people that have been giving us supplies or diapers have been very rude and have sometimes snapped at us. There is nothing like that here. It's a very good service and the people are very kind,” Dolores explains.
Why is the pantry so important to young families struggling with poverty? Dolores says, “Since I don’t have to pay for diapers, I can spend my money on food and gas, you know, other things my family needs.” Chelsea agrees, “I really appreciate what they do here. I was not on my feet when I got pregnant—it was a surprise pregnancy, and it took me over a year to get on my feet. There were many times when they helped me out, and I wouldn't have had diapers if it wasn’t for them.”
In addition to diapers, access to clothing is also helpful. “One of the big things here is being able to get baby clothes. One time my baby was just outgrowing the clothes so fast, but I was very grateful to be able to come here and get something that would fit my child,” Maria explains.
When regular clients come to the pantry each month, there is a sense of a family reunion, with moments of “catching up” and hugs for the babies. “Every child who comes with their families to Hope Supply Co. is precious. We love to see how they’ve grown and always applaud when babies show off their first days of crawling or walking,” exclaims Laura Montalvo, program manager. Ami Cheek, office and development manager, shares that she loves to entertain the little ones while the adults pick out needed items from the pantry. “These children are all just so cute,” Ami chuckles.
Since its opening in January 2023, the Chrystal Charity Ball Diaper Pantry has provided nearly half a million diapers to families in need. According to Laura, about 300 families come into the pantry each month, often bringing babies and toddlers in tow. Those with appointments receive a bag of 75 diapers, wipes and, if requested, a hygiene kit.
It’s no wonder word about the Chrystal Charity Ball Diaper Pantry is getting around. Clients are quick to tell others not only about the items they can get, but more importantly about the reception they receive. Chelsea shares, “When I worked at [a local hardware store], I had a customer who came through and she just looked sad; and I thought, ‘maybe she needs some help.’ She couldn't speak any English, so I turned on the translator on my phone and typed ‘I see you're pregnant. Would you like diaper resources and formula and clothing?’ She typed, ‘please.’ So, I wrote it all down for her. That’s just one example. Any chance I get, I'm letting people know.”
“Pantry days are special days here at Hope Supply Company,” smiles Barbara. “We just love seeing the children prosper and grow as well as seeing moms being able to thrive knowing they are able to care for their little ones.”