Milwaukee Diaper Mission distributes 54,000 diapers donated following Giannis' 54-game performance

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Friday, March 3, 54,000 diapers were brought into Milwaukee after NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo made an off-the-cuff comment during a postgame interview in early February.

Giannis had a little fun after scoring 54 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 2.

In an interview, Antetokounmpo said he was going to go to Culver's to get 50 cheeseburgers to celebrate the win.

Culver's responded by inviting Giannis to grab his 54 burgers, and in turn they announced a donation of 54,000 diapers to the Milwaukee Diaper Mission.

"Good news is that the diapers were delivered a few weeks ago, and now we are able to take those diapers and put them right back into the community with the distribution that is happening today at the pharmacy," said Liz Haferkorn, senior marketing manager at Culver's.

The diaper giveaway was made possible by a joint task force with Culver's, The Milwaukee Diaper Mission and Hayat Pharmacy.

"The need has remained consistent, if not grown over the last couple of years, and we are just seeing so many families that are struggling and having to choose between a healthy clean diaper for their baby and food to be put on the table," said Meagan Johnson, executive director of Milwaukee Diaper Mission.

A feeling known all too well by mothers like Darmi Rosado.

"They give me a lot of food and stuff, but if it wasn't for that [scholarship], I would have to pick between food or diapers and wipes for him," said Rosado.

Rosado braved the cold with her eight-month-old son, thankful for what she can get.

"It's hard to navigate getting all the essentials for the baby while also living paycheck to paycheck so stuff like this really does help the community, immensely," said Rosado.

The Milwaukee Diaper Mission said their mission is two-fold.

"We are alleviating a burden not only on Milwaukee families who are struggling to afford these products, but also on the small; no profits that we distribute products to that serve those families," said Johnson.

And while this all started with a comment and then a tweet, it ends with a happy mother.

"He's my rainbow baby, he is just the most precious thing to me," said Rosado.

For a list of diaper distribution sites click here.