70 volunteers sorted and counted the supplies at St. John Properties’ Ashburn Crossing, before loading trucks for delivery to 37 nonprofits serving those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

ASHBURN, VA – The 2024 “Builders for Babies Diaper Drive,” an annual event organized by HomeAid National Capital Region, collected more than 766,000 diapers and baby wipes, with the supplies subsequently delivered to 37 churches, homeless shelters, and food pantries throughout the Northern Virginia region. With St. John Properties’ Ashburn Crossing business community serving as the collection site and staging area, more than 70 volunteers sorted and counted the supplies before loading trucks for delivery to individuals in need.

Participating individuals and companies were encouraged to help collect diapers and wipes in two different ways: by hosting a collection and encourage employees and clients to donate physical boxes of diapers, or by making a monetary donation through HomeAid’s website. The money raised online was used to purchase diapers and wipes through a wholesaler who delivered the supplies to the Ashburn Crossing collection and staging site. This year’s total collection more than tripled in size from the previous year.  

HomeAid National Capital Region, the local affiliate of the national organization which builds and maintains housing and programmatic facilities for nonprofit organizations and public institutions, has been organizing the diaper drive since 2018. According to Kristyn Burr, CEO of HomeAid National Capital Region, the effort “addresses the vital need among families to secure these essential supplies and help bridge the diaper insecurity gap.” Burr explains that “diapers for one child can cost a family more than $100 each month and directly impacts families by reducing stress and improving the physical wellbeing and health of an infant.”

Ashburn Crossing served as the collection point, as local businesses, organizations, and individuals dropped off donations of diapers and wipes at a flex/R&D building within the business community. The site recently became a beehive of activity as volunteers descended upon the space to sort the collected supplies, stack them onto pallets, and apply labels prior to the truck-loading process.

“Our team members have worked with HomeAid in the past and upon learning of the need for a large space to house and stage the supplies, we were happy to offer space within Ashburn Crossing,” explained Matt Holbrook, Regional Partner for St. John Properties. “We love the opportunity to serve in our community. It’s ingrained in our company culture and it’s who we are. There is so much local need from those struggling to make ends meet, and it’s our privilege to be part of something with such an enormous impact. Our team jumped at the chance to be part of this good work.”    

“Unseen by many are the thousands of people living below the poverty line or dealing with domestic violence situations that have few options and places to turn for help,” added Burr. “Having a constant supply of clean diapers is non-negotiable for young families and providing these items enables individuals in need to apply their resources and effort into other daily essentials.”

Among the participants in the diaper drive was Tom Hyde, COO, Miller & Smith, a homebuilder active in the Northern Virginia area. Hyde, who serves on the HomeAid Board of Directors and was the board representative and liaison for the Diaper Drive, assisted over the past week to help sort and receive supplies, and also jumped in to help load the delivery vehicles.

“It is gratifying to see a fundraising and collection effort that draws such incredible participation in the business community, and unifies many diverse businesses with a common goal of helping those less fortunate in our community,” Hyde said. “I encourage other Northern Virginia-area companies and individuals to support this highly-worthwhile cause.”       

Founded in 1971, St. John Properties, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest and most successful privately held commercial real estate firms. The company is distinguished by its commitment to customer service, achievements in green building, and top-rated workplace culture. Throughout St. John Properties’ 53-year history, the company has developed more than 24 million square feet of flex/R&D, office, retail, and warehouse space and has investments in over 3,000 residential units. The company proudly serves more than 2,600 clients in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and Wisconsin. For more information about the company, visit www.sjpi.com.