My name is Nick Peyton, and I’ve served on the Board of WestSide Baby since 2019, including two years as Chair. My journey with the organization is a deeply personal one and profoundly shaped by my own history.
The story of WestSide Baby’s impact on the community is one I know well. During my time as Chair, the world was changed by the pandemic, creating an even greater need for support in our community. Basic necessities like diapers and formula became increasingly difficult to access, and families were forced to contend with price gouging and shortages. WestSide Baby stepped up to meet these challenges head-on, distributing millions of diapers and other essential items to families who were struggling. This need did not decline post-pandemic: in 2023, we distributed 2.7 million diapers, setting a record for the organization.
WestSide Baby’s work is especially meaningful to me because of my own story. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and left in a doctor’s office at three weeks old with a note that read, “Please take care of my baby.” I can’t begin to imagine the circumstances my birth mother faced to make that heartbreaking decision. Three months later, I was adopted and brought to the United States. While I had a “normal” childhood in many ways, there were also difficult times – when our Thanksgiving meal came from a food bank or when I received free school lunches for an entire year. These moments, though hard, were the reality of life for my family at times—and they shaped my understanding of the importance of community support.
Today, I know that the success I’ve found in life is due in large part to the support I received from organizations like WestSide Baby. I am deeply grateful for the countless individuals who made a difference by simply saying, “We can do better. We can help.” This is why I care so deeply for the work that WestSide Baby does—because I know firsthand how important that support can be.
This December, I’m inviting you to make a difference in our community. Through a donation to our Give Joy campaign, you can create lasting change for families who face challenges often beyond their control. By coming together, we can continue to make a positive impact, ensuring that children and families facing difficult times have the resources they need to thrive.