Anna Calix, founder and executive director of Gifts from Liam, said on Mar. 12 that her nonprofit continues to support families across Chicago’s South Side, West Side, and the south suburbs by distributing diapers and baby supplies. The organization was established in 2017 in memory of her son, Liam Angel.
The work of Gifts from Liam is significant as many families face challenges affording basic necessities for infants and toddlers. Diaper insecurity has become more prevalent due to rising costs and economic pressures. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between diapers and food,” Calix said. “But rising costs and limited income are forcing too many parents into that position.”
After organizing a diaper drive for what would have been her son’s first birthday, Calix collected about 20,000 diapers and baby supplies, which revealed a broader need in the community. Since then, the organization has distributed over 200,000 diapers, wipes, and other essential items through drives and partner sites. Recent data show that between June and September 2025 at the Park Forest distribution site alone, 91 children were served with 37 diaper pickups requested from families across 54 ZIP codes—most within the local region. Among those receiving assistance locally, most had two or more children in diapers and nearly four out of five reported household incomes below $35,000 per year.
Calix holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois Chicago and has experience supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth, and infant loss. This background shapes Gifts from Liam’s approach: supply packages include both diapers and educational materials on safe pregnancy and infant care.
Nationally, one in two families now struggles to afford enough diapers for their children—a rise since the group began its work in 2017—according to Calix. She said requests increased when food assistance was paused as families prioritized other needs. Despite growing demand for help locally during events like Diaper Need Awareness Week—when only half as many diapers were collected compared to earlier drives—community volunteers remain vital; over 125 people helped package more than 25,000 diapers during a recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event.
Gifts from Liam also supports families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss by donating resources such as a Cuddle Cot to Rush University Medical Center. Calix said the organization aims to provide respectful support: “This is about dignity for families and giving parents the space to focus on what matters most — their children’s health and well-being.”
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions while also earning recognition for sustainability efforts in town planning practices. The village seeks to improve economic conditions via collaboration according to its official website. It operates under a council-manager government with a mayor and six trustees as its governing body according to official information. The village demonstrates leadership by supporting national climate protection agreements as reported by its official website and offers educational opportunities through its Civic Leadership Academy.
