As a mother of three, Bethesda resident Lindsay Gill understands just how hard that job can be. Throw a pandemic into the mix, and the challenges mounted for moms everywhere. During the height of COVID-19, Gill saw fellow moms in her community struggling to afford basic baby items and she wanted to help. “I wanted to lean on my community of moms to host a diaper drive,” says Gill. It turned out to be a huge success – with more moms showing up than Gill anticipated. “I had so many more diapers than I thought I would ever collect, and I thought, ‘Maybe I could do something like that more often.’”
That’s when The Napkin Network was born. The group consists of moms across the DMV who collect baby items—from wipes to formula and baby clothes—and distributes them to local non-profit organizations including Feed the Fridge. “We’ve collected over 500,000 diapers, thousands of cans of formula, wipes, car seats,” says Gill.
The Napkin Network also makes its donations easily accessible. Gill opened a pop-up pantry in the Westfield Montgomery Mall that she calls The Napkin Nook. “I stock it every week with donated items,” she says. “Anyone who visits our area can go get items, no questions asked.”
Affording baby essentials isn’t the only challenge mothers face. Loneliness and lack of social support are a common sentiment felt by new moms. Gill made a point for The Napkin Network to bring other parents together to form new bonds. The meet-ups range from tea parties to coffee dates and shopping events. “We host events and bring moms together on a bi-monthly basis,” she says. “There’s an activity for everybody, depending on your budget and your interest.”
As for the future of The Napkin Network, Gill is looking to expand outreach. “Our mission is moms helping moms in need,” she says, “The more moms I can reach, the more I can tell people about this.” But above all, she wants mothers across the DMV to know: “The reason this organization was created is because moms know how hard it is to be a mom. We get it. We’re here for you, and it’s ok to ask for help.”
The Napkin Network is always looking for donations. The organization accepts direct donations, check donations, or items at donation drop-off locations across Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Items accepted include diapering, such as pull-ups and baby wipes; feeding, including unopened formula and new breast pumps; and hygiene items, like toothbrushes, shampoo and baby clothes. To learn more about items The Napkin Network accepts or for drop-off locations, visit their website at thenapkinnetwork.com or email thenapkinnetwork20@gmail.com.
“Our mission is moms helping moms in need.”
“We get it. We’re here for you, and it’s ok to ask for help.”