Milwaukee Diaper Mission kicks off 'The Big Give Back' in Deer District

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Antetokounmpo Family and the Milwaukee Diaper Mission are teaming up once again to kick off 'The Big Give Back' diaper drive.

"It really is me when I became a mom and saw those prices for real," said Milwaukee Diaper Mission Board Member and Giannis Antetokounmpo's Partner Mariah Riddlesrigger.

She was one of many volunteers out in Deer District Saturday, collecting thousands of diapers from both people donating, and from Kroger.

Riddlesprigger says while her family is blessed with the means to pay for diapers, she knows that isn't the case for everyone.

"Having that realization that other moms, other fathers, other parents, grandparents, like the fact that they had to spend this much going to a store on top of rent, on top of utilities, on top of everything else is just mindblowing," said Riddlesprigger

That's why Milwaukee Diaper Mission co-founder Meagan Johnson says she and many others are putting in the work to help.

"One year ago today I was a full-time volunteer packing diapers with my mom," said Johnson.

They've donated over half a million diapers to local families since 2020, something she says she didn't do alone.

"And it's mostly due to three reasons," said Johnson. "Dedication, long hours and the Antetokounmpo family."

Now, they're hoping to collect diapers, and raise $50,000 dollars by November.

She says they have organizations helping match donations.

Riddlesprigger says it's something she and her partner are passionate about.

"This is something that's brought us together too as a couple and just being able to give back to our community in any way we can is really big for us," said Riddlesprigger.

"If people can't come down [Saturday] they can donate online or they can donate diapers at all nine Milwaukee Pick n' Save stores," said Johnson.