Reverend Rebecca Hines

Founder and President, Destiny Diaper Bank
Southwest Florida

Rebecca, who raised 8 children, knows firsthand what it's like to be poor and need diapers. But while she always managed to get enough diapers, she realizes that today's economy has made it much harder for families. Rebecca says: "Unemployment is so high; and when these moms walk in, they do not have work and the fathers of these babies do not have work. We just have to do every single thing we can to help these mothers out; and diapers are number one."

In 2007, realizing that there was nowhere in Florida where people in need could get diapers, Rebecca and her husband Jack, a painting contractor, gave up their home and business to personally finance Destiny Diaper Bank. "We did this because we have lived the American dream," says Rebecca. "Now we're living our passion."

One of her most poignant moments came when she read a letter from someone in jail who said: "I know what I did is horribly wrong, but can you help my wife and four small children? They need diapers." Rebecca met with his wife and ended up taking her not just diapers, but everything else she needed.

Destiny Diaper Bank, which is run by volunteers, distributes 600,000 diapers a year. Most go directly to families through five distribution sites, and the rest are picked up and distributed by social service groups. The diaper bank's biggest challenge is keeping sizes 4, 5, and 6 on its shelves.

While Rebecca and her husband still provide much of the funding, others are stepping forward. They now have a warehouse provided by a local donor. And 40 community businesses act as drop-off locations and promote the need for diapers. Destiny Diaper Bank has also recently started organizing fundraising and awareness events within the community.

Rebecca sees the Every Little Bottom Program as the voice that will get the word out about the dire need for diapers, and believes that it will enable Destiny Diaper Bank to expand so it can help more moms.

"So many people give to food banks, which is important, but in this area more people seem to need diapers," says Rebecca. "Diapers are an essential need, and Destiny Diaper Bank is the only place in Florida where people can get them."