Akin launches diaper giveaways to connect families with support services

Akin launched Bundles of Love on July 6, pairing diaper giveaways at Fred Meyer stores with a push into its Family Resource Centers. The Washington-based nonprofit built each stop around a tote bag stocked with at least 80 diapers, plus wipes, food and other baby supplies, then used the handoff to connect families with longer-term help rather than a one-time giveaway.

The campaign rolled out across three Washington cities. The first activation ran in Greenwood in Seattle on July 18 and 19, followed by Hazel Dell in Vancouver on August 1 and 2, and Spokane Valley on August 22 and 23. The stores were chosen as accessible community touchpoints, and Fred Meyer, along with The Kroger Co. Foundation, partnered on the effort while also donating diapers and other supplies.

Dr. Daniele Lyman-Torres, Akin’s chief operating officer, said diapers rank among the most requested items across the organization’s Family Resource Centers. Akin’s Family Resource Centers serve as a single point of entry for concrete supports, parent education, community connections, behavioral health services, early learning programs and referrals, putting the diaper pickup inside a broader service pipeline.

Akin serves more than 12,000 families and children a year through seven Family Resource Centers, more than 20 locations and community partnerships. The organization was formed by the January 2024 merger of Childhaven and Children’s Home Society of Washington, and it says it has more than 125 years of experience supporting families in the state. The Family Resource Center network distributed more than 200,000 diapers and wipes last year.

Washington’s Department of Commerce supports community organizations distributing diapers, wipes and other essential baby products, and 29% of children in Washington live in families earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level, according to the department. National Diaper Bank Network research estimated diaper insecurity costs the U.S. $4.5 billion a year, while Urban Institute data put the average monthly cost of diapers for one child at about $100, compared with a median family budget of $65.