Jake's Diapers in Kaukauna is teaming up with Johnson & Johnson for a crowdfunding campaign, going on right now, to improve the quality of life of Haitian families living in extreme poverty.
"In Haiti, life is very challenging. The people, the majority of them, live hand to mouth," said Lorraine Zachary.
Zachary is a missionary with the non-profit organization Real Hope for Haiti. She helps operate their medical clinic and lives in their rescue center which provides around the clock care for children suffering from starvation or malnutrition.
"When they come they are very, very ill, and they're fighting for their lives."
Zachary says many of the children are battling different types of bacteria and infections."When you have 10 to 15 children with diarrhea, diapers are critical."
The charity relies on donations from Jake's Diapers.
"This isn't just a diaper. For us, this is hope. It's love. It's life," explains Zachary.
"With some of our diaper drops we've worked with, we're seeing a decline in infant mortality with diapers being one part of the solution," said Jake's Diapers Founder Stephanie Bowers.
The positive impact on public health caught the attention of Johnson & Johnson. The company is now matching all donations to Jake's Diapers, up to $250 dollars per person, on the online fundraising site Caring Crowd.
"A lot of people I've talked with, they say, 'Oh I can't do much.' It doesn't matter. It's the power of the crowd. If everyone gave a dollar, imagine what you could do," Bowers said.
The goal is to raise $50,000 to provide cloth diaper kits to 500 Haitian moms and babies.
"This brings them so much dignity," says Zachary. "The impact is so profound that people in the United States can't comprehend what this means."
The kits will be distributed to families who return to the clinic. They serve as an incentive for mothers to get a check-up for themselves and their newborns. The staff also uses the visit to teach new moms about breastfeeding and proper hygiene. Zachary says that education, will lead to change, which will impact future generations. She says it makes the hard work of serving as a missionary worth every moment.
"It's emotionally draining, but it's the most rewarding and fulfilling thing that you can do."
Johnson & Johnson will match donations through July 31st. The campaign also benefits Children's Health Ministries in Haiti.
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