The statewide nonprofit partnered in a three-city initiative serving Seattle, Vancouver and Spokane over the weekend

Cade Barker
The Reflector Newspaper

Akin Family Resources helped hundreds of Southwest Washington families meet one of their most basic needs during its recent Bundles of Love diaper giveaway, distributing hundreds of boxes of diapers while connecting parents and caregivers with additional services available year-round in Clark County.

The statewide nonprofit partnered in a three-city initiative serving Seattle, Vancouver and Spokane over the weekend, with the Vancouver event at the Hazel Dell Fred Meyer the first weekend of August drawing a large turnout that provided over 500 diapers to families in need.

“It was pretty amazing,” Akin Family Resource Manager Connie Cabler said. “So (we) gave out 560 boxes of diapers. Folks were lined up early and we ran out, gave everything away by around noon both days. … A lot of folks hadn’t heard of our organization … and so really great opportunity to provide something, but then also give an invite to come to our resource centers and get to know us and refill their bags, but also just kind of see what else we have to offer. So, it was an incredible success.”

The giveaway included more than diapers. Families also received wipes, baby food and reusable tote bags, along with information about Akin’s Family Resource Centers in Vancouver and Washougal.

Cabler said the organization’s Clark County resource centers offer behavioral health services, family navigation, household essentials and hygiene items while working to make services accessible with as few barriers as possible.

Demand for diapers remains one of the organization’s greatest challenges, Cabler said, noting that community donations play a vital role in keeping shelves stocked.

“Obviously we know that it is something that folks, it’s a need, right, and it’s an essential,” Cabler said. “Clark County is amazing, but the community really rallies to meet the needs of the community. But we know that people go through them. They’re super expensive. And so, yeah, any support, any help, it is by far the biggest ask that folks have and a difficult item to keep in stock and really to meet the needs of the community.”

Families do not need to meet income requirements or reside in Clark County to receive services in Vancouver or Washougal. Cabler said anyone caring for children or youth who needs support is welcome.

“There’s no real qualification other than they have a need and they come in the door,” Cabler said.

Looking ahead, Akin is preparing to expand services at its St. Johns Road location in Vancouver with the completion of a new building later this year. Cabler said the nonprofit hopes community members will help shape future programming.

“We hope to be that for people and offer what folks are needing and not just what we assume,” Cabler said. “So, we would love for folks to come check out both of our resource centers, especially St. Johns, see our beautiful new building, and then let us know what it is they’re hoping for so that we can provide what they’re wanting.”

Akin’s Vancouver Family Resource Center is located at 4421 NE St. Johns Road. For more information, visit akinfamily.org.

This report was first published by The Reflector Newspaper. Cade Barker can be reached at cade.barker@thereflector.com.