While the holiday season is synonymous with joy and togetherness for some, it also brings challenges and hardships for others. Recognizing the struggles faced by many families and children, Amazon and Baby2Baby have joined forces with Brilliant Detroit to address the broader community’s needs and supply essential items to those in need in Detroit.
This collaboration seeks to offer crucial supplies to families facing financial challenges. In response to concerning statistics indicating that nearly half of all families experienced diaper insecurity in 2023, the organizations recognized the significance of providing diapers to bring essential relief, especially during the holiday season. The generous donation of over 84,000 diapers and 76,000 wipes from Amazon and Baby2Baby to Brilliant Detroit goes beyond just providing essential supplies.
“We are so proud to continue our impactful partnership with Amazon and leverage their unmatched shipping capabilities to further our mission of providing the essentials that every child deserves,” said Baby2Baby Co-CEOs, Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “This year alone, we have requests for over one billion diapers for the families we serve. Amazon’s generous contribution will help us to deliver millions of diapers and wipes to the most vulnerable communities across the country and ease this burden on parents.”
Cindy Eggleton, CEO and Co-Founder of Brilliant Detroit, emphasizes that this initiative symbolizes unity and support for families in the community, reinforcing the collective commitment to ensuring every child’s well-being.
“We are extremely grateful for Amazon and Baby2Baby’s incredible donation, which will make a lasting impact on the families we serve in Detroit. This substantial contribution of over 84,000 diapers and 76,000 wipes is more than just essential supplies—it’s a powerful symbol of unity and support for families; reinforcing our collective commitment to ensuring that every child receives the fundamental necessities critical to their health and well-being.” said Eggleton.
Brilliant Detroit, currently operating in 16 neighborhoods with plans to expand to 24, adopts a community-centered approach. Before establishing a presence in a neighborhood, the organization actively engages with community leaders and conducts listening sessions to understand local priorities and needs. Brilliant Detroit’s community hubs, located strategically in neighborhoods, serve as vital resources. Each hub has a vibrant team that leads community initiatives, including events, baby showers, and educational programs. These hubs aim to be accessible, allowing families to walk to locations for support, creating a sense of community and connection.
“During the pandemic, when we received our first donation from baby to baby, it really helped open the doors to help introduce us to families,” says Rakisha Odom Senior Outreach Manager for Brilliant Detroit. “A lot of families were in desperate need at the time. There were not a lot of organizations that were offering support with baby products. As you probably remember, it was hard to find baby formula. It was hard to take multiple kids to the grocery store and people were scared to come outside, let alone bring the newborn out shopping. We were able to build a sense of community trust because we answered the call. A lot of the community worker organizations shut down and we ran to the front line dropping off packages on doorsteps. To a lot of my colleagues, we felt like it was an honor to be in a position to be an essential worker for the babies.”
Brilliant Detroit’s commitment extends beyond the holiday season, as the organization continues to host community events, game nights, and health initiatives. The call for volunteers, donations, and support from the community remains strong, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a resilient and thriving community. Integral to their operations is active community engagement, and forming connections with other organizations, such as daycare facilities, amplifies their outreach and impact.
Squiggles and Giggles Child Care, a daycare facility, has been receiving support from Brilliant Detroit since 2021. This partnership has introduced various programs, including a nutrition program, literacy resources, and activities such as soccer and STEM. Kai Young, the owner of Squiggles and Giggles, emphasizes that innovative initiatives like the “Reggie Rainbow” healthy eating program not only benefit the children but also contribute valuable information and resources that extend to the entire families in their care.
“Beyond benefiting the children in my childcare program, this relationship has proven invaluable for entire families, providing resources not only for siblings but also for parents,” says Young. The experiences I’ve had with this organization impressed me so much that I now hold a position on the Brilliant Detroit of Brightmoor advisory committee. Being part of this committee is significant to me as it allows me to contribute to creating opportunities and meaningful experiences for other children and families in my community.”
As we approach the holiday season, let the collaboration between Amazon, Baby2Baby, and Brilliant Detroit inspire us to extend compassion and support to those in need, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit. Standing together is the foundation for constructing a brighter future for everyone. Odem affirms that Brilliant Detroit is committed to ongoing expansion that will directly help those in need.
“Acting as a central hub at the heart of the community, we have become skilled at channeling these resources to those who need them most—a sort of secret sauce that fuels our mission.”
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