Meet The High School Student Mobilizing Diaper Drives

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Francesca Gambale. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

For Francesca Gambale, the path to becoming a neonatal nurse didn’t start in a classroom—it started in the warehouse of the Monmouth County Diaper Bank. Over the past three years, this dedicated volunteer has turned a personal passion into a lifeline for thousands of families. Driven by the sobering reality that government programs like WIC and SNAP do not cover the cost of diapers, Francesca has made it her mission to ensure that every child has the basic dignity of staying clean and dry. To her, a diaper is a foundation for a healthy start in life.
Having already logged 352 hours of service, Francesca is well on her way to her goal of 500 hours by graduation. Her work is a blend of physical labor and strategic mobilization: she has personally facilitated the wrapping and packaging of over 200,000 diapers for distribution. She spends 10 to 12 hours a month sorting through inventory or hosting drives that have, so far, collected 25,000 diapers.

Francesca has also proven to be a formidable fundraiser and leader. She has raised more than $20,000 through her various initiatives, including over $11,400 specifically dedicated to purchasing new diapers. She even contributed $1,000 of her own hard-earned money from summer jobs to the cause. This fall, she leveled up her efforts by forming a dedicated team to expand the diaper bank’s reach, proving that her ability to inspire others is just as strong as her own work ethic.

While Francesca’s roots are in Monmouth County, the organization has extended its reach to support those in the wake of national disasters, shipping essential supplies to flood victims in Texas and wildfire survivors in California. As she prepares to take her passion for service with her to college, Francesca leaves behind a legacy of “endless reach.” Read on to hear more of her story.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

In the summer of seventh grade, my parents came to me and we talked about how middle school was the next step in my education as well as me becoming a young adult. My parents are involved in a few volunteer opportunities. However, my brother and I were never forced to have their passions become ours. My parents shared with me a few volunteer opportunities available in my community and allowed me to pick one that would align with what would make me happy to become a part of. There were the traditional food banks for unhoused people… blessing bags… and then I read about a diaper drive.

When I read that diapers are in need for mothers and children in many communities, including my own, I immediately knew that that was the passion project for me. After doing some research and getting some help from Deacon Matt from our church, I realized that although many consider diapers necessary and accessible items as part of a child’s health and well-being, that is not always the case. Many low-income families can’t afford diapers. In addition, government assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP do not cover the cost of diapers.

Tell us about your organization and volunteer role.

With a passion for children and my hopes of going into pediatrics, I knew that joining the Monmouth County Diaper Bank was the perfect way for me to volunteer and get involved in my community. I’m currently a junior in high school and have been a constant advocate for the diaper bank for almost five years. I work with an amazing Deacon in my community, Deacon Matt. He is an inspiration to so many and has become a role model for me, supporting my journey since seventh grade and pushing me to be the best person I can be.

As part of the Monmouth County Diaper Bank, I have collected over 12,000 diaper donations and raised over $8,000 to purchase over 30,000 diapers to give to my community. In addition to that I have worked with the diaper bank to package and distribute diapers to those in shelters and communities both within Monmouth County and beyond. I have packaged over 100,000 diapers for distribution. I currently have over 360 volunteer hours with the Monmouth County Diaper Bank. And I do not plan to stop anytime soon! During the Texas floods this amazing organization also sent diapers down to Texas to fulfill the needs of others.

This year I have started to recruit others in my community to work with me to host diaper drives and package diapers. I am excited for this new opportunity to work with middle schoolers to inspire them to find their passion. It has truly been a rewarding experience being able to work hands-on with an amazing organization, and one of my mentors.

Why is this issue so important to you?

The best part about being a part of the Monmouth County Diaper Bank was not being forced to do this by my parents. I was able to pick a cause that was important to me. As the oldest of five cousins, I have seen the importance of diapers on a daily basis. Babies can go through anywhere from 6 to 10 diapers a day. The fact that mothers can possibly not have enough money to purchase diapers to keep their baby clean and dry is unimaginable. Every baby deserves the dignity and ability to be clean and dry. A soiled diaper can lead to extreme health concerns such as rashes, viruses and urinary tract infections.

Being part of this organization has shown me that parents become stressed with anxiety when they are unable to provide for their child. Being able to ease this financial burden, diaper banks help parents focus on work, education and family stability, and use their resources for food and shelter. Access to clean diapers isn’t just about hygiene, it’s about dignity. Diaper banks help families feel supported, not judged, during financially difficult times. Over the last five years this organization and my volunteer opportunities within it have helped me to discover a deeper passion, which is to go into pediatrics within the medical field. My goal is to continue this volunteer passion of mine throughout college and well into my career. I’m hopeful that this story will help others realize that every baby deserves to be clean and dry and that a little heart goes a long way.

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?

Throughout volunteering, I’ve learned that some of life‘s most basic needs are not always obtainable by everyone. I also learned how many people right here in the Monmouth County community are struggling. My volunteer opportunity has taught me how important it is to be involved in your community. It has taught me empathy and has given me a sense of purpose. I have learned that my passion, time and patience can truly impact others. I have gained confidence and leadership skills that have helped me in high school.

Why is it important for others, especially youth, to get involved with causes they care about?

Because it will help them grow as a person. Throughout my volunteer work, I have learned more about myself, and my involvement within this organization has led me to a passion for medicine, specifically working with children. Volunteering also directly impacts your community. Volunteers can truly create a positive impact and a positive change within their community. When people show commitment to a cause, they inspire their family, friends and younger generations.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

The best advice I could give people who want to start volunteering would be to ask yourself why you want to volunteer. If it’s because your parents are making you do it or you need community service hours for religious education or National Honor Society, you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and something you’re passionate about. Once you do that, your time spent will be rewarding, and you’ll realize how important your acts of kindness, your time and your dedication are to those not only close to you, but in your community and beyond. My hope for this is that other teens will be inspired to get involved with their community in a way that means more to them than the people receiving the acts of kindness.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Francesca? Find local volunteer opportunities.