When Sloane Pettit of Phoenix, Arizona, was just seven years old, she volunteered at Nourish Phoenix, a local charity that distributes food, clothing and essential supplies to families in need. During one visit, she noticed an empty shelf and asked why nothing was on it.
The answer turned into a project that has now run for five years: the shelf was meant for diapers, but stock had run out because diapers were one of the most requested items at the facility. Sloane decided to try to help, and in her first collection drive she managed to gather 7,433 diapers with the help of family and friends.
Since then, the initiative has become an annual tradition. Sloane, now twelve, organizes the collection drive, reaches out to donors, manages inventory and makes sure to thank everyone who participates. This year she set a goal of 22,500 diapers, but the community responded on a far larger scale.
By the end of the drive, there was almost no room left in the family's home from all the packages. In total, around 30,000 diapers were collected, loaded up and delivered to Nourish Phoenix. The organization said diapers are among the most requested items from families who come for assistance.
The small initiative that began with a child's question in front of an empty shelf has grown over five years into a significant community effort. According to a local Arizona report, this year's donation is expected to help thousands of families in the Phoenix area who struggle to meet daily expenses.
Sloane herself said she never imagined her initiative would grow to such proportions, and that knowing she has been able to help so many people gives her a special feeling.
