Having a baby is expensive. Beyond the cost of the hospital and caregivers, the day-to-day expenses of diapers and formula can be taxing for growing families.

Simone Maness is hoping to provide some relief.

“I wanted to do a service project that I thought would help the community,” the Rifle High School freshman said. After connecting with the Garfield Re-2 Family Resource Center, One Door, the idea of a baby supply drive was born.

The community service project is a requirement for Maness’ annual sojourn to summer camp in the wilderness of Washington State. The four-week retreat isn’t just about fun and games for her; it is a cherished experience that has shaped her love for nature and camaraderie. Attending camp comes with a price tag, and Maness is relying upon a scholarship program to make her dreams a reality.

For the teen, the scholarship isn’t just a means to an end; it is an opportunity to make a difference. As part of the scholarship requirements, she must complete and report on a service project. With her infectious enthusiasm and genuine desire to help, Maness dove headfirst into the challenge.

“I’m really passionate about helping people,” she explained. “I’ve done food banks in the past and I just realized how passionate I’m about helping people.”

With a long list of community service opportunities available to her, Maness chose something close to her heart—a baby supply drive. Her reasoning was simple yet profound: she understood the financial strain that baby supplies could put on families and wanted to alleviate that burden, even if it was in a small way.

“When I saw the Yampa Teen Parent Program, I realized that there are a lot of people who need help with diapers and baby food and just general baby supplies. I was inspired to do something to help and make a difference,” she said.

Half of the supplies will be provided to the Yampa Teen Parent Program and the remainder will be available for community families through One Door. While the teen acknowledges the challenges of spearheading such a project, she embraces them with confidence and enthusiasm. 

“This is very new to me, and it was a little scary and daunting,” she admitted. 

Maness’ baby supply drive isn’t just about collecting items; it’s about fostering a spirit of care and support within the community. Her efforts exemplify the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating meaningful change.

Partnering with One Door creates 11 convenient locations for people to drop off donations.

The Baby Item Drive is currently going on until April 5. They are accepting diapers of all sizes, wipes, unexpired formula and baby food, baby hygiene products and gift cards for teen parents. Items can be donated at One Door, Garfield Re2’s Family Resource Center located at 703 Railroad Ave. in Rifle and at any Re2 school with the Family Liaison (ask at the school’s front desk).