The Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support is issuing an urgent call for diapers and infant formula as part of its upcoming Feeding Military Families food drive, scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025. The drive, which has delivered more than 33 tons of food and essential supplies to military installations since 2022, will focus this cycle on supporting the youngest members of military families.
“Behind the uniforms are families—spouses trying to stretch paychecks, parents trying to make formula last another week, and newborns who simply need clean diapers,” said Raymond E. Foster, President of the San Dimas Rotary Foundation. “This food drive has always been about honoring service through action, and this time, we’re making a special call for diapers and formula. The need is real—and it’s urgent.”
The Rotary-supported effort helps stock the shelves of food pantries on multiple Southern California military installations, including the Pelican Pantry at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, The Pantry at Camp Pendleton, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Pantry on Fort Irwin, and the pantry at Los Angeles Air Force Base. These pantries are critical lifelines for active-duty families, reservists, and veterans coping with the rising cost of living.
At Los Angeles Air Force Base, in particular, the demand for baby related items has increased.
“We’re currently running really low on diaper stash,” said Soni Rawtani, President of the Friends of Airman & Family Readiness Center, a non-profit org supporting the local military communities in Los Angeles, who hosts new parenting classes. They often have people contact them for diapers and formulas.
The need is real — and urgent. Let’s come together to support the youngest members of our military families.
Foster emphasized that families stationed at remote or high-cost bases face particular challenges.
“Many of these families live far from extended support networks, and the base commissaries don’t always have what they need—especially when it comes to baby supplies,” Foster said. “This isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about preserving dignity, reducing stress, and making sure parents can focus on raising healthy kids while their loved ones serve.”
Donation boxes are available at participating businesses throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and the Rotary Club can provide boxes and posters for those who want to host a collection site. Monetary donations are also accepted online at www.feedingmilitaryfamilies.org or by mail at P.O. Box 713, San Dimas, CA 91773.
For more information or to volunteer, community members are encouraged to call 909-667-2721 or email Info@feedingmilitaryfamilies.org.
“This is about all of us doing our part,” Foster added. “If you’ve ever wondered how to say ‘thank you’ to a military family, this is your moment.”
