DISCLOSURE: This National Diaper Bank post is sponsored by Huggies®.

As busy as raising 4-year-old twin boys gets, I still try to squeeze in time to make sure they are growing up to be men my wife and I can be proud of. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to have our Las Vegas Dads Group help fight diaper need and have my twins assist in the effort.

The boys and I, along with my brothers in the Vegas Dads Group, spent a week collecting diaper donations from neighbors, friends, and family before a few of us met up at the Las Vegas Diaper Bank. There, we spent the evening creating diaper packs that the facility gives out to its clients.

The Las Vegas Diaper Bank has been helping area families in need for less than two years, but it is already an incredible community asset. Since federal subsidies don’t cover diapers or wipes, a diaper bank is a blessing for parents struggling with diaper need.

The Las Vegas facility is one of the more than 300 member diaper banks of the National Diaper Bank Network, which Huggies became a founding sponsor of in 2011 to help combat diaper need in the United States. Through its No Baby Unhugged program, Huggies has donated more than 200 million diapers and wipes over the years to the cause, and it came through again the day we helped by providing a generous donation.

That night at the Las Vegas Diaper Bank, I spent some time talking with its executive director, Carlye Davis. I could hear the passion for the project in her voice, and it was infectious. She explained that one in three U.S. families struggle to provide diapers for their children, often struggling to keep their child dry, clean and healthy.

“The next time you pull up to a three-way intersection, keep in mind that it’s a high probability that one of the individuals at that intersection does not have diapers for their baby, or not enough money to buy them,” she said.

This is one of the many facts about our country’s dire diaper need revealed in the recent Diaper Need and Its Impact on U.S. Families study by the National Diaper Bank Network and Huggies. The study also revealed:

• 57 percent of parents miss work or school due to a lack of sufficient diapers required by their child’s care or early education program
• 73 percent of moms and dads feel they are not being good parents when their children are left too long in a dirty diaper

“Right now, the Las Vegas Diaper Bank is open only one day a week (Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), but they plan to be open more as donations continue to grow,” Davis said. Each recipient at the bank is entitled to two packs of diapers per month (only one if the diapers are size 4 or above).

I’m proud that my fellow dads joined me in teaching our children the importance of giving back. It’s something that even with busy schedules, I will always make time for. This volunteer experience really helped open our eyes to the need in our community and was a great moment of bonding with our children, as well.

You can join City Dads Group and Huggies in the fight to combat #DiaperNeed in these ways:

• Support the National Diaper Bank Network by making a monetary contribution at nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org, visiting a local diaper bank or even hosting a diaper drive.
• Donate your Huggies Rewards Points to the National Diaper Bank Network by visiting No Baby Unhugged to learn more about diaper need, and donate your Huggies Rewards points to help combat diaper need.

About our sponsor

Huggies believes deeply in the Power of Hugs, which is why every diaper and wipe is inspired by a parent’s embrace. The Huggies No Baby Unhugged program helps ensure all babies get the hugs they need to thrive by supporting hugging programs in hospitals and donating diapers across the country. Learn how you can help at Huggies.com. #HuggiesCouncil #ad

When Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area in September, the Las Vegas Dads Group teamed with a local not-for-profit group to help storm victims. Now our Nevada fathers are supporting the same organization as it raises funds for hometown heroes who responded to the tragic mass shooting at a concert there.

The Vegas Dads collected more than 220 pairs of new socks in the weeks following the storm. The group recently donated to them families in need after the Category 5 hurricane slams the Texas coast. Two local businesses, Kangamoo Indoor Playground and Fun Lane Indoor Play, contributed and assisted in the fathers’ drive.

The entire effort was sponsored by Heroes of America Foundation Inc., a nonprofit that provides aid to the men and women who dedicate their lives to public service, such as law enforcement, firefighting, nurses, teachers and social workers. “We are the relief for the relief,” the group’s website states.

Kevin “Spike” Zelenka, founder of our Las Vegas Dads Group, learned of the group’s efforts through his neighbor, a founder of Heroes. “They started collecting donations when they first heard about the path of Hurricane Harvey. I decided that I wanted Vegas Dads Group involved, so we decided to do a sock drive,” Zelenka said.

After the Oct. 1 shooting on the Vegas strip where 58 people were killed and more than 500 injured at a country music festival by a lone gunman, Heroes started a GoFundMe campaign to assist the first responders and their families who assisted victims. The Vegas Dads Group has been promoting that drive through its social media channels.

City Dads Group and Plum Organics® teamed to support children and families in need Nov. 29 by donating, packing and distributing food in seven U.S. locations as part of our Giving Tuesday outreach efforts. Watch this video, compiled by and produced by San Francisco Dad Group member Mike Heenan, to see our fathers in action:

Plum Organics, the nation’s leading organic baby food brand, donated more than 24,000 meals (almost three tons of food!) to charitable organizations chosen by City Dads Group chapters in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and the Minneapolis/St. Paul.

In addition:

• The Charlotte Dads Group donated to the Salvation Army angel tree and partnered with Trees Charlotte to plant 300 trees at a local middle school.
• Our Las Vegas group made a large donation of clothing, toys and grooming supplies to Safe Nest, a center that helps men, women, and children who are victims of domestic crisis.
• Our Chicago dads also packed food for the Feed My Starving Children nonprofit.
• The NYC Dads Group also helped sort and bundle clothes for GOOD+ Foundation, a nonprofit group that works with a network of more than 100 community-based organizations across the country to distribute essentials to families in need.

We asked some of our City Dads Group members to reflect on what they took away from attending the recent fifth annual Dad 2.0 Summit in Washington, D.C. Here are a few of their thoughts: 

Kevin “Spike” Zelenka, Las Vegas Dads Group

I’ve been to dad conventions, and I’ve been to blog conferences. The Dad 2.0 Summit was the first event I’ve ever attended that really met the need of who I am: a blogger and a parent. I can’t stop talking about the opening and closing keynotes. They both really spoke to me as a father, and in different ways. The other programming I attended had a blog focus, and I learned a ton that I couldn’t wait to implement once I returned home. The fact that they have found such a magical combination in only five years existence is incredible, and I’ve already bought my ticket for next year.

Adam Gertsacov, Chicago Dads Group

There were lots of … great things, and lots of great content, but for me, the No. 1 reason I keep on coming is the community. Being in a community of these great dads (many of whom are also great writers and raconteurs) is just plain exhilarating. As a dad, you have your wife as a person to talk with, but she’s your wife. You are related to her.

Having colleagues — work friends, if you will — with whom I can just hang out with for a few days, talk about parenting, and comic books, and make slightly obscure references to obscurer movies and books, and even on occasion talk about our hopes and dreams — this is why I want to come back to Dad 2.0

— Read Adam’s complete thoughts on his blog, Dadapalooza

Niel Vuolo, NYC Dads Group

Dad 2.0 — Was about connecting dads with brands. … about fellowship, community and trying new things. … about meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones (even old friends who ended up getting carded at the bar!). … It was also about sharing ideas and inspiration. I can’t wait to attack this year and be more extraordinary when I get to Dad 2.0 in 2017.

— Read Niel’s complete thoughts on his blog, Great Moments in Bad Parenting

Jay Wisniewski, Detroit Dads Group

Honesty. It flows throughout the halls and ballrooms once the summit has taken up its residency. At times you will feel more comfortable talking to a random group of dads that you’ve stumbled upon than you’ve felt talking to your friend back home. It almost comes naturally because somewhere in its five years of life the creators of the Dad 2.0 Summit have fostered the growth of a collective of fathers that celebrates the successes of one another, provides wisdom through their struggles and failures, but most of all, never falters on their dedication to honesty. There are no perfect dads and when you spend your days and nights with these men, you come realize that’s totally OK.

— Read Jay’s complete thoughts on his blog, Inked Up Dad

Creed Anthony, Indianapolis Dads Group

Editor’s Note: Creed wrote this as a letter to the late Oren Miller.

I imagined you watching and listening as so many new voices were added to the collective voice. Men who weren’t shy about their love and involvement with their children. Women who supported the cause and played a role in helping to change the image of modern fatherhood.

I imagined you roaming the streets of D.C. with some of us, with your chin high, and that kind, gentle grin you always wore and realizing that the power of change isn’t simply found in the offices of the elected, but in the blogs, playrooms, kitchens, and carpools of the men and women in attendance.

— Read Creed’s complete thoughts on his blog, Tales From the Poop Deck

Victor Aragon, Chicago Dads Group

This was my second time going to Dad 2.0 and as much as it felt like my second home, I still felt out of place. I felt like the little brother that was trying to hang out with his bigger brothers and was accepted by all. I had a few people pull me to the side and ask me about my family and about post I wrote. It felt good to know that someone, other than myself, was reading my stuff and that it actually moved them.

Lance Somerfeld, NYC Dads Group

The fifth annual Dad 2.0 Summit was my favorite one yet. Dad 2.0 is a ripe opportunity for dads and dad bloggers to escape from hiding behind their computers and meet talented and caring dads face-to-face. A highlight for me was hosting a City Dads Group team meeting (photo at top) and being surrounded by over 40 organizers, active members and blog contributors. Community, family, friendship and beyond!

Another highlight for me was taking advantage of a little “me time” which is rare since the birth of our daughter 10 months ago. Strolling through the Capitol at night with a few good friends and admiring the world-renowned landmarks was a magnificent experience as was relaxing in a barber’s chair and receiving a professional shave in the Dove Men+Care suite.

Dave Lesser, NYC Dads Group

A lot Dad 2.016 recaps will probably mention the inaugural DadSLAM, a Moth-style public reading of blog posts. My roommate John Kinnear hosted the event to high acclaim. John read a hilarious article about his kid pooping in the McDonald’s ball pit and another guy read a different hilarious story about poop. Some stories left the room in nods and tears and not all of the essays were about accidental defecation. I don’t think. I’m actually not sure, since I didn’t go. It was an after-hours event and I went down to the room where it was being held to make sure someone showed up for John. The room, packed with attendees, was stuffy and warm, and there was no booze, so I quietly left. What can I say, sometimes I’m too big an asshole to let the transcendent moments happen.

— Read Dave’s complete thoughts on his blog, Amateur Idiot/Professional Dad

Scott Posey, Baltimore Dads Group

The Dad 2.0 conference is … a meeting of minds to discuss modern fatherhood as it is portrayed in the media and in everyday life. This conversation takes place with a lot of the big movers and shakers of the entertainment [and retail] worlds and has the power to truly initiate change. There were big brand names here like Lego, Dove Men+Care, Kia, Esquire, and Lee (among others). These are brands that see a passion for fatherhood being championed across all corners of the web and are coming out to say that they not only agree, but support our movement. Panels were held to discuss the ever changing role of fatherhood as it corresponds to the workplace (something I’m very passionate about) and how people are fighting the good fight daily to ensure that parental leave is not only a right but one that is taken without fear of career suicide. Everywhere you looked this weekend, you could see this desire to better oneself as a father but also on a larger scale for all fathers across the world.

The other reason I wanted to attend the conference was to meet all of the fellow dads who I have talked with, shared stories with, and grew with as a father [online]. … It was amazing seeing and talking to these guys whose work I have read and been affected by since having my son. …  Attending a summit to help advance fatherhood is a great reason to attend, but hanging out with your friends and forming relationships in person is a close second.

— Read Scott’s complete thoughts on his blog, Father Nerds Best

 Carter Gaddis, City Dads Group columnist

I found a large, passionate, talented group of men and women who shared my interests and — incredibly, to me — seemed to care what I thought and wrote. The Dad 2.0 mission of bringing brands together with fathers of the Internet is great, of course. It’s been a privilege to work with companies that understand the importance of shattering the tired stereotype of the aloof, goofball dad so often portrayed in ads, movies and TV shows over the years. The networking is great, but I will always go back to the Dad 2.0 Summit because of the sense of renewal it provides. It is a reunion with my “tribe,” a chance to rejuvenate, a source of energy throughout the rest of the year. I’ve been to other social media conferences, and they were great. This one? This one is home.

— Read Carter’s complete thoughts on his blog, Carter Gaddis, Writer

Nick Browne and Benjamin Muller, Philadelphia Dads Group

This weekend, we spent four days in Washington, D.C. for the Dad 2.0 Summit. And in a few words: IT WAS AMAZING. Honestly, so many great people came together to put together a truly inspiring event. For details, listen to their Poppin’ Bottles podcast.

Want more? Read what our New York City members had to say on the NYC Dads Group blog. 

June is almost over, and that means so is National Dairy Month. Members of the Vegas Dads Group celebrated the glory of milk and cheese by visiting and touring Anderson Dairy.

Five dads and seven children got a chance to walk the halls of the dairy and learn the history behind this great company that has been providing milk to the residents of Sin City since 1907.. They watched the machines package milk for schools, ice cream for the stores, and little creamers for the local hotel and casino restaurants.

In my opinion, the Clark County School District Room was the most impressive. The school district is the fifth largest in the United States and growing yearly, so I would think it would take a lot to keep up, but the dairy does an awesome job, cranking out 400 half pints per minute!

The Vegas Dads Group thanks Anderson Dairy for taking the time to show us around, and for the ice cream samples afterward! We had a great time, and will be back to see you again, for sure!

What is YOUR favorite ice cream?

Babywearing in Las Vegas was something I always planned on doing. It seemed like a great idea. Your child was right next to you, gaining comfort in hearing your breathing and in feeling your heartbeat. It would leave my hands free to shop, do dishes, or fold laundry. I’d be the coolest Dad on the block, really showing my friends and neighbors “how it’s done.”

Then came the day that my wife’s doctor told us the two words that would shatter that wonderful babywearing image: “It’s twins!” How was I going to manage to carry two babies? One on the front and one on the back?

My ideas of being the hippest dad in the neighborhood because I was wearing my baby changed to thinking I would be the most unique, being the only one with twins. Any thought of babywearing I had kind of disappeared.

When I heard about International Babywearing Week, and found out that the dads group I helped start here in Las Vegas could be part of a nationwide event I was excited but still faced with the dilemma of what do I do with the other baby? If I wear only one, the other is going to get mad that he’s not being carried, and if I try and have them take turns … well, they’re just shy of 2 years old. You KNOW how THAT’S going to go. Thank God for grandparents, as one got to spend the day with them, while the other helped me celebrate the babywearing holiday in style.

Imagine: More than 100 dads in 13 different cities, all wearing their babies. Five of my fellow Las Vegas Dads met me downtown on the morning of Oct. 9. We parked at Main Street Station, walked up to the Plaza Hotel and then began our journey down Historic Fremont Street. The response babywearing in Las Vegas was incredible.

People pointed.

People smiled.

One man, a former stay-at-home dad, even asked to take a picture of us.

At one point, I saw people I knew and they failed to recognize me with a baby on my chest. (Note to self – great disguise if I ever plan a bank robbery). We made our way down to the container park where the awesomeness continued. We let the kids play at the treehouse for a bit while we rested and talked about the trip so far.

After our break, we headed back to our starting point and said our goodbyes. I think I speak for all of us when I say the experience was great and the response incredible. I was happy because we had just ended another successful meet-up. The guys in the group were happy for the same reason, I’m sure, but they also got to bring home their baby carrier. (Thanks, Britax!) I hope they continue to use it.

As for my twins and I? As much as I enjoy spending time with them both, having just one for a day has opened my eyes to how special and important one-on-one time is and I think I’m going to try and schedule more of it. That means the baby carrier is going to come in handy, and Grandma and Grandpa can expect another visitor real soon!

City Dads Group members strapped their babies to their chests and visited the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, toured a professional football stadium in San Francisco, and climbed the famous “Rocky” steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art among the many activities our fathers participated in as part of last week’s celebration of International Babywearing Week.

All 13 City Dads Groups across the United States did something with babies on board their new baby carriers, courtesy of Britax — a longtime supporter of our organization. Our dads and their kids visited places as family-friendly as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, as unexpected as Fremont Street in the historic Las Vegas downtown, and as potentially exhausting as hiking through Mariposa Basin Park in Albuquerque – all to promote the many advantages and benefits of wearing your baby.

Our teams’ efforts received praise around the world with articles and photo spreads in sources usual (The Good Men Project, Indy Star) and unusual (China Daily’s website).

Here’s some highlights from last week:

The Hollywood sign can be spotted behind these members of our L.A. Dads Group standing just outside the Griffith Observatory.

Yo! Adrian! Our Philly Dads Group climbed to the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like a certain fictional boxer did.

The World of Coca-Cola received a tour from baby-wearing members of our babywearing Atlanta Dads Group.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was toured by our babywearing Columbus Dads Group.

Our babywearing NYC Dads Group stands tall with their babies along the city’s High Line park, a converted elevated subway track.

*Disclosure: City Dads Group received free Brtiax baby carriers as well as compensation for this babywearing week sponsored event.  We only work with brands that create products or services that we believe in and use ourselves.  The opinions expressed in this blog entry are authentic and our own.

City Dads Group continues to grow its diverse community of fathers who want to be actively involved with their children by adding outposts in Dallas and Las Vegas — the organization’s 12th and 13th cities.

The Dallas Dads Group is headed by at-home fathers David Kepley and R.C. Liley. David, a father of two boys, blogs at Just a Dad 247. R.C., a former accountant with one daughter, is a health and fitness advocate who writes the blog Going Dad.

Find the Dallas Dads Group on:

• Meetup (go here to join)
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

The Vegas Dads Group is being run by Kevin Zelenka and Ben Floyd. Kevin, known to his friends as “Spike,” started the Vegas Dads Group a year ago before bringing it into the City Dads fold. The at-home father of twin toddlers does freelance writing in addition to writing his blog Double Trouble Daddy. Ben, a father of one boy (with another child on the way), is a marketing executive who also contributes to several social media sites.

Find the Vegas Dads Group on:

• Meetup (go here to join)
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

City Dads Group is a dynamic and diverse community of fathers dedicated to being active in their children’s lives and, by example, redefining what it means to be a dad in the 21st century. Founded in November 2008 in New York City as a way a handful of fathers could arrange playdates and outings with their children, the organization went national in 2014 with more than 2,500 members in 13 locations who bond over their children and a desire to change the face of modern fatherhood through word, deed, and example.