In 2008, Kim Amato saw a problem that was both urgent and invisible: too many newborns in Las Vegas were leaving the hospital without the basic supplies needed for a safe, healthy start. Driven by empathy and a determination to help, Kim began gathering essential baby items in her own living room, assembling “Baby Bundles” for families who had nowhere else to turn. From these humble beginnings, Baby’s Bounty (babysbounty.org) was born—a grassroots effort that has grown into a vital safety net for Nevada’s most vulnerable infants and their families.
Kim’s vision was simple but profound: every baby deserves a safe start, regardless of their family’s circumstances. Early on, she worked closely with hospital staff and caseworkers who confirmed the need was real and widespread. Many families, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, and those experiencing homelessness, were being discharged with little more than the clothes on their backs. “I’m not a social worker,” Kim once said. “I’m just a girl with a dream.”
Over the past 16 years, Baby’s Bounty has transformed from a living room operation into a statewide organization with a 9,000-square-foot headquarters and a reach that extends across Nevada. The nonprofit now runs three core programs: Baby Bundles, monthly diaper banks, and Diapers for Diplomas, which supports parenting students in higher education. The impact is staggering—over 10,000 Baby Bundles distributed, more than 5 million diapers and 10 million wipes provided to over 45,000 Nevada children, and crucial support for hundreds of parenting college students.
Each Baby Bundle is, as CEO Kelly Maxwell describes, “a baby shower in a bag for clients living in poverty.” The bundle includes a portable crib, an infant regulation car seat, clothing, blankets, toiletries, and feeding supplies—everything needed to care for a newborn for the first six months of life. These items are not just comforting; they are life-saving, reducing the risk of infant injury and death by ensuring safe sleep and travel.
The need for Baby’s Bounty’s services has only grown. Diaper need—families unable to afford enough diapers to keep their children clean and healthy—remains a critical issue, affecting more than half of Nevada families with young children. As Kelly puts it, “No family should have to make the choice between paying for diapers or paying for other crucial household needs.”
Behind the scenes, a small staff and a dedicated army of volunteers keep the organization running. “Volunteers are the backbone of our success. They sort, package, and distribute diapers and supplies to families, and provide hands-on assistance at events,” says Kelly. Community involvement is not just welcomed—it’s essential to meeting the ever-increasing demand.
Baby’s Bounty’s journey from a single mother’s living room to a statewide lifeline is a testament to the power of empathy, action, and community. By bridging the gap for families in crisis, the organization continues to honor its founding vision: ensuring that every baby in Nevada gets the safe, healthy start they deserve.