Diapers are a basic need for families with young children. But they can be expensive, and for struggling families, the money is hard to come by.
Between inflation, recession, and supply chain issues, today's families have a lot to navigate as they work to provide for their loved ones. While these issues are felt across the globe, it is no surprise that the most vulnerable members of our communities feel the most significant impact.
Irene Montantes is working to change that.
Irene is an aspiring attorney who sits on the board for Urban Partners Los Angeles, a non-profit that serves the Koreatown and Westlake areas.
During the pandemic, while distributing food, she saw a desperate need for baby supplies, especially among the underserved and minority populations.
So, Irene launched her own non-profit called the L.A. Baby Cooperative.
Irene and her team of volunteers set up shop at the Francis Avenue Community Garden, handing out 4,000 diapers every week! Along with other necessities like baby wipes.
In a conversation with KNX New reporter Heather Jordan, Irene credits her personal experience with poverty and multicultural upbringing for her desire to give back in a big way.
"We think about the next seven generations; if you're helping your community and it can impact the next seven generations, then that's what we do," says Irene about her Native heritage.
Irene remembers watching her mother struggle as a kid, saying, "I realized at a certain point how important it was to give back because I know what it was like [to struggle]."
One diaper at a time, four thousand diapers a week, Irene is helping create better lives for those in need, making her this week's KNX Hero!
Listen to the inspiring story above.
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