Bundles of Hope asks Birmingham council for support as diaper demand grows

Councilor Daryl O'Quinn introduced a presentation on National Diaper Awareness Month during the Birmingham City Council meeting on Sept. 22. Lindsey Gray of Bundles of Hope described the group's recent purchase of a 22,000-square-foot facility five blocks from the council chambers and asked the council for the city's financial support to sustain and grow diaper and hygiene-product distributions.

Gray said Bundles of Hope partners with 44 local organizations and serves about 2,000 babies monthly — “that’s 100,000 diapers monthly, that are going straight into the hands of residents,” she told the council. She said the organization also provides period products and runs a DoorDash door-delivery program for new moms within a 10-mile radius of the facility. Gray asked the council to consider funding or allocations to help cover the cost of diapers, which she described as a recurring and expensive household need.

Ms. Freeman, who spoke as a Bundles of Hope representative, said the program “has been a blessing for all parents and grandparents,” and described the direct impact of the distribution on families who otherwise struggle to obtain essentials. Council members thanked the presenters; Councilor O'Quinn noted the nonprofit has been a partner in city events and encouraged colleagues to support the organization’s request.

The presentation included specific program details and an invitation for council members to tour the new facility. Bundles of Hope also offered volunteer opportunities and asked the council to consider the nonprofit as a partner in future community events and health fairs.

The council did not take formal budget action at the meeting; Bundles of Hope’s request was presented for council consideration and follow-up by staff.