16 IS Airman opens baby pantry to serve her local community

  • Published
  • 655th ISR Wing Public Affairs

A Reserve Citizen Airman assigned to the 16th Intelligence Squadron saw a need in her community for families struggling financially and therefore unable to purchase the necessities for their babies. Capt. Rebecca Delisio stepped up to the plate and worked with her church to fill that void by opening a baby pantry.

With the help of her church, Jessup Baptist Church, located right outside of Fort Meade, Maryland, Delisio was able to open a baby pantry Dec. 12, 2020.

The pantry's mission is to supply free diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and baby gear to families in need whose lives have been impacted by COVID. The pantry also supplies newborn kits to expecting mothers who have no resources to care for their babies and emergency food kits for families who need immediate access to food.

“We launched the pantry because we recognized the need for baby supplies for families impacted by COVID-19 financial constraints. The state was backlogged on many resources and a lot of families can't afford to purchase diapers,” Delisio said. “Some families receive WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) but there are no resources at the state level for basic baby supplies such as diapers/wipes and baby clothing.”

The pantry operates solely from donations from the local community, including military members stationed around the NCR (Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region) and Fort Meade and diapers are being supplied from a $2500 grant from a local non-profit organization.

“Being in a military community, the community response for donations was overwhelming. We launched operations from solely community donations and so far we have averaged a weekly customer through-put of 15 families,” Delisio said.

Delisio said the pantry provides diapers, wipes, formula, food, clothing and baby gear to every family that visits. She said they also provide newborn baskets to expectant or new moms that include all the basic supplies she would need to care for her child.

“We run a full-scale operation from collecting donations, to sorting and tracking inventory, providing support to customers and running advertisement all with a volunteer staff of four members. It's a super busy schedule but very rewarding.”

Delisio said they are currently working to secure funding from the county's food bank and the national diaper bank, which they hope will keep the pantry stocked for 2021.

“Our motto is simple, ‘"God makes no mistakes, period."’ We want every family in the community to know that they are loved by God and we are here as their family to walk with them thru these difficult times. Our church is filled with military veterans and service members, including our Pastor who is retired Army. We have a passion for serving the community and it a joy to be able to provide for others,”

Delisio said for those who want to donate baby items, the pantry can use new and used baby items up to 5T. Volunteers are also welcome. For more information on making a donation or becoming a volunteer, send an e-mail to JBCBabyPantry@gmail.com.