Meagan Johnson
Co-founder at Milwaukee Diaper Mission
Diapers and period products are necessities—not simply luxuries. And the Milwaukee Diaper Mission is working to ensure that all people in Milwaukee are given the opportunity to live happy, healthy and clean lives—equipped with the right hygiene products, of course. The nonprofit organization has emerged as a reliable source for free diapers and other essential period supplies—with 262,000 disposable diapers already distributed so far.
What motivates you to pursue this kind of philanthropy? When I learned that one in three families struggle to afford diapers, and most major cities in the U.S. have a diaper bank, but Milwaukee did not, I knew that I needed to create this vital resource for our community. As a mother of two small children, I know how expensive diapers are. The stress and anxiety of having to choose between food and diapers is devastating to many families. Once you learn about something as serious as diaper need, you can’t get it out of your mind. I knew I had to do something to support families in this season of life.
Best advice for someone looking to give back and get involved in their community: Find a cause that speaks to you. If there’s something you’re passionate about, seek organizations that already support that initiative. Or, like in my case, if the thing you care about isn’t being addressed or adequately supported, maybe it’s you who needs to bring it to life.
What impact do you most hope to leave on the world? As Milwaukee’s basic needs bank, I hope that Milwaukee Diaper Mission will continue to thrive and support thousands of families for years to come. We have a lot of work to do, but with our amazing volunteers and supporters, I know that we can make serious changes here in Milwaukee and beyond.