This is One of the Coolest Things We've Ever Been a Part of!

I want to tell you about one of the most amazing projects I have ever been able to be a part of since I have started blogging. When I began my blog, I never thought I would be able to participate in something like this. I have always wanted Lunchboxdad.com to be about ideas, tips, and articles that helped parents all over the world. I never dreamed that I would be able to practically help families right where I live. However, that is exactly what Pampers helped me to do.

I have been part of the Pampers Parent Board for awhile. It is not a paid position but I get to test out new products, meet great people, and play a part in making families' lives better. This last part is where I was given the opportunity to take part in the #BetterForBaby grant. Basically Pampers gave me a $2500 gift card and said spend this on families in a way that will make their lives better. Watch the video below to see how we gave away all the money to deserving families!

How did we find the families? I talked to some friends and found two families that are working hard to make it in one of the most expensive areas of the United States. They also
give back to the community around them. I asked for wish lists and my family went shopping. I wanted to make sure my kids were involved from the beginning because it is important to us that our kids know that showing love and giving to others is one of the most important things you can do. 

We were so excited to be able to get everything on the families' lists! They knew something was coming but they didn't know what. To see their reactions you need to watch the video above. It will be the best two minutes you spend today! 

Once of the surprising outcomes was that even though we bought everything the families' needed we still had money leftover to give away. We knew that the Lake County and Butte fires had been swallowing up acres of land north of where we life in the San Francisco Bay Area. Thousands of families were evacuated and many had lost their homes. They had only what they could carry with them. One of our friends had been driving up and delivering supplies to camps where evacuees were staying. She had put out the request for diapers and other supplies. As soon as we heard we knew what to do with the rest of the grant. We were able to buy hundreds of dollars worth of Pampers diapers, wipes, and baby food. A few days later it was delivered to those in need. The picture to the left shows a mom and baby who wanted Pampers to know how thankful they were!

I don't think my family will ever be able to forget this experience. I know I won't. I also won't forget how a large business like Pampers can make a huge difference through a little generosity! Make sure and check out the #BetterForBaby hashtag on social media to see other stories of what bloggers did with their grant. You can also see the #BetterForBaby video below that kicked off the whole initiative!