Student-Led Diaper Drive Initiative
The Jackie Speier Foundation (JSF) Student-Led Diaper Drive is a high school student volunteer initiative dedicated to supporting local families struggling with the rising cost of diapers. Diaper insecurity is a significant challenge for many families, affecting the health and well-being of children throughout our community.
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Diapers Collected
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Volunteers Engaged
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Drives Hosted
SEPTEMBER 2026
Sequoia High School Students Lead Our Second Diaper Drive
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Sequoia High School students hosted JSF’s second Student-Led Diaper Drive. The event collected over 150 boxes totaling 7,500 diapers. All donations went to core service agencies Samaritan House and Daly City Partnership for distribution to families in need. Students said they were drawn to the opportunity to support their local community after learning that 1 in 4 San Mateo County families struggle with diaper insecurity. More than 50 student volunteers from the Health Careers Academy, cheer squad, football team, and other students came together to put on Sequoia High School’s first diaper drive. Working alongside JSF staff, students managed event logistics, volunteer recruitment, promotion, and media outreach, gaining hands-on experience in community engagement. At the event, student leads Isabel C. and Mira S. spoke alongside JSF founder Jackie Speier and distribution partner executives Laura Bent of Samaritan House and Mike Stancil of Daly City Partnership. Jackie commended the students for being “not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today.” The Jackie Speier Foundation is grateful to the generous donors who contributed to this important cause, as well as to its community partner, the Rotary Club of Burlingame and Hillsborough, who supported this event. We hope to inspire students across the county to host diaper drives at their own schools. Together, we are building a San Mateo County where no family lives without its essential needs met.
As seen on NBC Bay Area.
Why a Student-led Diaper Drive?
By planning and leading diaper drives, high school students gain valuable real-world
experience in leadership, project management, marketing, fundraising, event planning, teamwork, and most importantly, community engagement. They learn how to organize a community-wide initiative, and build partnerships–skills that will benefit them throughout their academic, professional, and personal lives.
Beyond collecting diapers, students become advocates for an often-overlooked issue. They raise awareness about diaper insecurity in San Mateo County and inspire their peers, schools, families, and local businesses to become part of the solution.
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Addressing Diaper Insecurity in San Mateo County
In one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, there are parents today who are making impossible choices—paying for rent or buying groceries and diapers to keep their babies healthy and clean. Here in San Mateo County, low-income families spend nearly 14% of their post-tax income just on diapers.
Support Local Families Struggling with the High Cost of Diapers
Every box of diapers makes a meaningful difference in a child's health and well-being. Research shows that consistent access to clean diapers supports healthier children, reduces parental stress, and promotes positive early childhood development. Together, we can help provide essential resources for families struggling to afford basic essentials.
