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Written by: E. George
Published September 24, 2024 @ 5:55 PM ET
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – In a career spanning 25 years as a social worker, Jamie Lackey encountered countless families facing severe hardships. However, one experience left an indelible mark on her: witnessing mothers washing used disposable diapers because they could not afford new ones.
“They didn’t have any resources for diapers, wipes, baby clothes – the most expensive things parents need to have,” Lackey recounted. “And there was no public assistance or coordinated effort to help them.”
This realization led Lackey, a resident of Snellville, to take action. She began by collecting baby items in her garage, which eventually inspired her to establish Helping Mamas, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in need by providing essential supplies for children from birth through age 12.
Since its inception in 2014, Helping Mamas has expanded its mission to include period products and launched a mobile delivery program, ensuring that critical supplies reach schools, libraries, and churches for distribution to those in need.
In 2016, the organization’s growth necessitated a move to a 2,500-square-foot warehouse. By 2018, Helping Mamas had upgraded to a spacious 9,000-square-foot facility in Norcross. This expansion was partly fueled by the $20,000 Spark Prize awarded by the United Way of Greater Atlanta, which helped the organization further its goal of becoming “the food bank of baby supplies.”
Lackey said, “And we haven’t looked back since.”
Community support has been integral to Helping Mamas’ success. Donations from supply drives, corporate hygiene product contributions, and individual supporters keep the shelves stocked. During National Diaper Awareness Week, starting September 23, local teams will engage in collection competitions to ensure that essential supplies remain available.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented another challenge, forcing Helping Mamas to adapt quickly. Lackey noted, “There was an instant need overnight, and we had to ramp up to get out as many products as we could.” The organization acquired vans to facilitate community distributions, addressing emergency needs even for those who might not typically qualify for assistance.
Today, Helping Mamas operates across Georgia and Knoxville, collaborating with over 150 partner organizations to distribute supplies where they are most needed.
Reflecting on the organization’s impact, Lackey said, “Right now, one in two families cannot afford to buy a box of diapers. We’re proud to say that over the course of 10 years, we’ve distributed more than 10 million supplies. Last year alone, we served 95,483 individuals with 3.2 million essential items. It’s still a huge issue, and the need has never stopped.”
For more information about Helping Mamas and how to get involved, visit their website at helpingmamas.org.
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