Our Story
A faithful response
In 2013, a seminary intern working with the First United Methodist Church of Evanston, Illinois, suggested the congregation start a new ministry: a diaper pantry.
Research into the idea revealed a "staggering" need for diapers among families in the community.
In October of that year, the newly formed Bundled Blessings Diaper Bank made our first delivery of diapers to three local social service agencies, who in turn distributed the diapers to families enrolled in their programs.
More than a decade later, we now distribute over 47,000 diapers each month to more than 900 children in the area through relationships with 19 social service agencies.
Bundled Blessings celebrated our tenth anniversary as a ministry of First United Methodist Church in September 2023, marked by the distribution of our two millionth diaper.
Join us in our mission to end diaper need for families in Evanston and surrounding areas.
Where your financial gifts go
Bundled Blessings is committed to ensuring that 85% of your donation goes directly to the purchase of diapers and packing supplies.
Our goal is to use your gifts as carefully and responsibly as possible, thanks to the following practices:
-
Many of our diapers are donated or purchased at a deeply discounted rate, extending the impact of every dollar we spend.
-
Our all-volunteer team contributes their time and talents to keep our operating expenses low.
-
Our sponsoring organization, First United Methodist Church of Evanston, generously provides rent-free space for storing and packing diapers.
“The diaper donation has immensely helped me and my family during this time of increased price rates. Having a great part of [our expenses covered] allowed us to prioritize other important things. Thank you so much for this amazing contribution and for all you do for us and other families.... Please continue doing this great work.”
-Syeda
Proud member of the
National Diaper Bank Network
Recognized as the foremost authority on diaper need in the United States, the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) leads a national movement to address the lack of material basic needs among children and families living in poverty.
NDBN and its more than 240 member diaper bank programs distributed more than 240 million donated diapers in 2023.
Bundled Blessings is honored to be part of this critical effort to help families in need here in Evanston and surrounding communities in northern Cook County.
Founding member of the
Illinois Diaper Bank Coalition
Bundled Blessings is one of 7 other nonprofits across Illinois who have formed the Illinois Diaper Bank Coalition. The organization came together in 2020 to raise awareness about diaper need in our state.
As part of their efforts, the Coalition advocates for policy change so barriers to affording diapers can be removed for families in need. Recent state legislation has included options such as a monthly stipend to families with children ages 3 years and under.
The Coalition has also applied for federal funding to support the purchase and distribution of diapers and supplies for families living in under-served areas.
It takes a village to impact diaper need
Many hands are involved in getting diapers from Bundled Blessings to the agencies who work with families in need. We rely on members of the First Methodist Church of Evanston, Illinois and community residents to pack diapers for pick up by our partner agencies, who deliver them to families in their care.
It wouldn’t happen without the tireless support and dedication of so many volunteers and donors. We are especially grateful to our 19 partner agencies:
● Infant Welfare Society, Evanston Teen Baby Nursery & Family Support
● Infant Welfare Society, Baby Toddler
● Family Advocacy Center at Family Focus
● Connections for the Homeless
● Childcare Network of Evanston
● Reach YOU
● District 65 Family Center Home Visitation Program
● District 65 Family Center/Doorway to Learning Child Care
● Endeavor Health, Perinatal Family Support Center
● Howard Area Community Center
● Learning Bridges Early Education Center
● HOW (Housing Opportunities for Women)
● Heartland Alliance
● World Relief, Chicagoland
● Niles Township Food Pantry
● Metropolitan Family Services
● Evanston Moms for Moms
● Early Childhood Alliance
● The Harbour, Park Ridge