25 Years of WestSide Baby – and A Celebration Ahead!

25 Years of WestSide Baby – and A Celebration Ahead!

25th Birthday, Events, News
This year, WestSide Baby turns 25. What began in 2001 as a one-woman operation in a West Seattle garage - driven by the desire to support local families struggling to afford basic items for their children - has grown into a community-powered organization serving thousands of local children and families every year. That growth has only been possible because of you – our supporters. As we mark this milestone, we’re grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up - for our neighbors, our families, and for the smallest members among us. We invite you to read the recent story featured on the West Seattle Blog about our journey, this milestone year, and what’s ahead. Share Your Story! As we celebrate 25 years, we’re gathering stories, photos,…
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Shining a Light on Diaper Need: WestSide Baby on KIRO 7 TV

Shining a Light on Diaper Need: WestSide Baby on KIRO 7 TV

Events, News
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to host KIRO 7 TV in our warehouse to shine a light on diaper need in our community and discuss Bob Ferguson’s proposal to remove the sales tax on diapers in Washington. As the cost of living continues to rise in our state, far too many families continue to struggle to afford basic necessities like diapers, formula, and car seats for their children. We’re thankful to KIRO 7 for elevating this important conversation. You can watch the clip and read the full story here: WestSide Baby featured on KIRO 7.
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Welcome, Manuel Duron!

Welcome, Manuel Duron!

News
Get to know WestSide Baby's new Distribution Manager! Manuel Duron, WestSide Baby's Distribution Manager Tell me a little about yourself and what brought you to WestSide Baby. I’ve worked in a variety of roles, but over the past year, I realized my heart is in nonprofit work. I wanted to use my time and skills to give back in a meaningful way. WestSide Baby was the first and only place I applied because it immediately aligned with my values. When I moved to the U.S. as a kid, my family was low-resourced and received help from organizations like this - so getting the chance to give back in a similar way really spoke to me. What excites you most about your new role leading our provider partner program? I'm excited…
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Congratulations to WSB Board Member, Angela Wallis – Seattle Kraken’s Hero of the Deep!

Congratulations to WSB Board Member, Angela Wallis – Seattle Kraken’s Hero of the Deep!

News
The award is accompanied by a generous $32,000 grant to WestSide Baby! Angela Wallis and her daughters accept a $32,000 check to WestSide Baby from the Kraken's One Roof Foundation alongside Morgan McGinn, WestSide Baby's Director of Development and Communications. We are excited to announce that WestSide Baby board member, longtime volunteer, and Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Extraordinaire, Angela Wallis, has been honored with the Seattle Kraken’s prestigious Hero of the Deep award for her exceptional service to WestSide Baby. Angela’s dedication, advocacy, and tireless efforts to support vulnerable families—coupled with her inspiring peer-to-peer fundraising, which has raised over $25,000 for our organization—have been instrumental in helping us meet the needs of our community. In recognition of Angela’s contributions, the Kraken’s One Roof Foundation has awarded WestSide Baby a generous $32,000 grant,…
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‘Tis the Season for Giving with WestSide Baby!

‘Tis the Season for Giving with WestSide Baby!

News
We’re kicking off December with a burst of holiday cheer at WestSide Baby, and we can’t wait to share all the exciting ways you can help bring joy and relief to families throughout King County this season! The West Seattle Blog’s first annual Giving Spirit campaign has officially launched, and today, we’re thrilled to be the featured non-profit. This wonderful collaboration is a chance for you to support WestSide Baby’s Give Joy campaign, which focuses on providing essential children’s items—like warm winter clothes, hats, boots, diapers, and hygiene supplies—to local families in need. The campaign runs through December, and every donation will have a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across our community. We’re beyond grateful for the Blog’s dedication to giving back, and this partnership allows…
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Announcing Our New Director of Development and Communications: Morgan McGinn

Announcing Our New Director of Development and Communications: Morgan McGinn

News
We are delighted to announce that Morgan McGinn, who has been partnering with our development team as a fundraising consultant, is stepping into the role of Director of Development and Communications at WestSide Baby. Morgan's experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, combined with her passion for our mission, makes her the perfect fit for this position. Morgan has spent her entire career in fundraising, and most recently worked as a consultant at the Ostara Group, where she worked with clients on developing and growing fundraising programs, engaging with key stakeholders and volunteer leadership groups, and helping launch and support capital campaigns around the region. Prior to consulting, she had the good fortune to focus on major gifts, special events, initiatives and projects, and corporate and community engagement with organizations such as Seattle Opera, Seattle…
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Q&A with WestSide Baby’s New Executive Director

Q&A with WestSide Baby’s New Executive Director

News
We are thrilled to welcome WestSide Baby’s next Executive Director, Allie Lindsay Johnson. We asked her a few questions, in hopes that you can start to get to know Allie. Keep your eyes peeled for other ways to connect with Allie. What is it about WestSide Baby's mission that resonates with you? So many parents have come to depend on the incredible support system that is WestSide Baby. I know just how important a parent’s support system can be. I have a 3 year old daughter and we both experienced a lot of complications surrounding her birth. She was born 8 weeks early and my husband and I stayed in the NICU with her for 9 weeks. During that time I was hospitalized for postpartum psychosis and later I experienced…
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Public Policy Changes to End Diaper Need

Public Policy Changes to End Diaper Need

News
See Governor Jay Inslee sign SB 5187 here Diaper Subsidy Program in WA In 2022, the Washington State Legislature approved SB 5838, The End Diaper Need Act. This bill created a diaper subsidy program that increases the cash benefit by $100 per month for households with a child under the age of 3 receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or State Family Assistance. The funding is intended to assist with the cost of diapers as described in Chapter 100, Laws of 2022 (SSB 5838). The benefit increase is effective November 1, 2023. Washington’s program is based off a program in California but offers broader eligibility and will put more money directly in the hands of low-income families each month to buy diapers and wipes. This will be an automatic…
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Selfless and Joyful Service: A Dynamic Force for the Community

Selfless and Joyful Service: A Dynamic Force for the Community

News
Volunteer in the Sorting Room of First Warehouse checking on clothes “Volunteers are the heart of our organization. We truly couldn't serve the number of families we do without them. Every child that receives our items has the volunteers to thank first and foremost. We're all deeply appreciative of the work they do.” - Kristin Monahan, Site Lead Our work progresses day after day through collaborative efforts, meaningful partnerships and relationships in the community, united by a vision to equip families with essential items towards a happy and healthy life; this especially cascades through our volunteers, steeped in selflessness and service.  A dynamic force at WestSide Baby, volunteers bring inspiration , and without hesitation, dive into the often demanding and crucial projects, such as celebrating the growth of a family by curating a colorful…
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Welcoming our New Executive Director!

Welcoming our New Executive Director!

News
Welcome Michelle Introducing WestSide Baby’s new Executive Director, Michelle Hankinson! Michelle brings almost 15 years in the nonprofit sector, with significant experience as an Executive Director and Director of Operations.Michelle comes to WestSide Baby most recently from Childhaven where she was the Senior Director of Early Support Services for Infants and Toddlers and Healthy Start. In this role, she executed strategic plans to advance their mission. Michelle also participated in the Childhaven Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team to ensure equitable early interventions within communities of color. She is committed to supporting children and families holistically alongside WestSide Baby. Michelle’s community describes her as “a compassionate leader with high emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of equity and inclusion.” I am so thrilled that Michelle will be joining WestSide Baby as…
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