Volunteering is a selfless act that can make a profound impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. It provides an opportunity to extend a helping hand, create positive change, and bring hope to those in need. The recently concluded HomeAid Colorado’s Builders for Babies Diaper Drive of 2023 serves as a remarkable example of how volunteerism can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. With over 2.4 million baby essentials distributed to 51 service providers, this monumental achievement highlights the importance of volunteering and the incredible results it can yield.

Our heavily involved Director of Business Development, Erin Hurley, spearheaded our efforts and volunteered towards this cause from the initial planning to the day of the event. The Lita Dirks & Co. team stepped up and contributed diapers to be dropped off at the event. To see the team come together and give back is what it is all about! 

Volunteering plays a vital role in building strong and resilient communities. When individuals come together to support a common cause, it fosters a sense of unity and solidarity. According to a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering can enhance social connectedness and cohesion within communities (CNCS, 2013). The Builders for Babies Diaper Drive demonstrates this beautifully, with over 250 volunteers dedicating their time and efforts to help those in need.

The success of the Builders for Babies Diaper Drive underscores the importance of addressing critical needs within our society. For families facing financial constraints, obtaining essential items like diapers and wipes can be a significant challenge. According to new data from The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families,  1 in 2 U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. (National Diaper Bank Network, 2023). The generosity of the donors, combined with the dedication of the volunteers, provided a lifeline to countless families.

Volunteering empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. It allows us to step outside our own lives and gain a broader perspective on the challenges faced by others. Research conducted by Clary et al. (1998) suggests that volunteering leads to increased life satisfaction and well-being for volunteers themselves. Through the Builders for Babies Diaper Drive, volunteers had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of their efforts. Every diaper and wipe distributed symbolized a small victory, bringing comfort and relief to families who needed it most.

Acts of volunteering have the power to inspire others and create a domino effect of positive change. When people witness the dedication and compassion of volunteers, it motivates them to get involved and contribute to causes close to their hearts. A study by Handy et al. (2010) found that individuals who have been exposed to volunteering are more likely to engage in future volunteering activities. The success of the Builders for Babies Diaper Drive has undoubtedly inspired countless individuals to take action, sparking a ripple effect that will extend beyond this specific event.

It has been a positive experience to work side-by-side with some of the same people each year! Lita Dirks & Co. has participated by donating items in need or factoring in the time needed for volunteering. We are always looking for new faces to join our mission, contact us for more information!

References:

  • Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). (2013). Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment. Retrieved from https://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/volunteering/VolunteeringAsAPathwayToEmployment.pdf 
  • National Diaper Bank Network. (2023). Diaper Need in the United States. Retrieved from https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/the-need/ 
  • Clary, E. G., Snyder, M., Ridge, R. D., Copeland, J., Stukas, A. A., Haugen, J., & Miene, P. (1998). Understanding and assessing the motivations of volunteers: A functional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(6), 1516–1530.
  • Handy, F., Cnaan, R. A., Brudney, J. L., Ascoli, U., & Meijs, L. C. (2010). Public perception of “public benefit” of nonprofits: What counts in donor motivation to give? Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 21(4), 602–626.