The New Albany Food Pantry loves to sing the praises of all of the amazing people who help us meet the needs of our clients. This week we want to spotlight Jo Welsh from Bottoms Up. Mrs. Welsh got a call from NAFP in February 2019, and has been delivering diapers to the pantry ever since.
We were able to interview Mrs. Welsh last month to find out more about Bottoms Up and how she and her husband started such a remarkable organization.
1. Why did you get involved with The New Albany Food Pantry in the first place, and what has your involvement been?
“ We started two years ago, and since then, have grown to have two wearhouses and two trucks. We delivered over 60,000 diapers this month!” Serving five counties in central Ohio, Jo and her husband help provide much needed diapers to families in need.
2. Why is this organization important to you?
“ I co-founded Bottoms Up, a 501ck3 organization, with my husband when we realized diapers were a huge need among families. Since then, we respond to calls all around when our services are needed. We have grown so big and so fast, and are glad we can help families with infants.”
3. Why is diaper supply such a special issue? What was your “call to action” or inspiration behind Bottoms Up?
“ Young mothers and younger families are especially in need of diapers, and don’t always have the resources to have them. My husband, who used to work with a pregnancy clinic, realized that diaper supply is an area that needed continued support. And so, even after his involvement with that organization, we decided to carry on diaper drives and donations.”
4. Some fun facts about Bottoms Up
“This year, we have delivered 339,217 diapers in Central Ohio -- 14513 have gone to the New Albany Food Pantry this year. Pretty big numbers when I thought 5,000 a month was big and we are over 60,000 per month! We are grateful for our supporters that allow us to serve more moms and babies!”
Thank you for all that you do, Bottoms Up!
To learn more about Bottoms Up, visit https://bottomsup.life/