Good evening, everyone.

The Tuscaloosa City Council will now come to order.

I will ask everyone to please stand for our prayer and then remain standing for our pledge of allegiance.

Bow our heads, please.

Dear God, bless our proceedings tonight.

Give us the wisdom to know it is just and the strength to do what is right.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please be seated.

Approval of the minutes.

Make a motion.

We approve the minutes.

Second.

Move and second to approve the minutes.

Voting, Mr.

Eatman.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Minutes stand approved.

Proclamation statements by Mayor and Council.

Tonight is my honor to ask Ms.

Daniel Lee with I love the name of this bottoms up diaper bank.

I love that name.

Miss Lee, if you'd come on, come up, please.

And I as I read this proclamation into the record.

Whereas diaper need, the lack of sufficient clean diapers to keep baby and toddlers clean and dry and healthy can severely affect the health and well-being of children and their families.

National research shows that nearly half of all families struggle with diaper needs, with 48% delaying diaper changes to stretch needed supplies.

Whereas without adequate diaper access, babies face increased health risk and families may face additional medical expenses and limited access to child care, further destabilizing economic security.

And whereas the City of Tuscaloosa commends the work of local organizations such as bottoms up, diaper bank.

I don't know why that makes me that strikes me for their vital role in distributing diapers and supporting families.

By addressing diaper need, diaper banks promote infant health, economic stability, and stronger communities throughout the city and state.

And any of us that have had to change diapers understand just how important.

Thank you.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Mayor Maddox and City Council members, I thank you for this proclamation recognizing diaper knee awareness week.

On behalf of Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, I am honored to accept this recognition and to share why this week matters so deeply.

Diaper need is an issue that often goes unseen.

Families who struggle to afford diapers face impossible choices.

Whether to stretch one diaper longer than it should be used, whether to miss work because they can't send their child to child care without the required supply of diapers, or even whether to choose between food, rent, or keeping their baby clean, healthy, and dry.

These are choices no parent should ever have to make.

Every diaper represents more than just a product.

It represents relief, dignity, and hope.

Say it best.

One mom recently shared that she was grateful for this or for our organization and the service that we provided.

And as a single mom with no support, it has been hard to stay on her feet and provide for her family.

The diaper bank has been her saving grace.

That is why we do what we do.

Our mottos are let all that you do be done in love and helping families one contribution at a time.

And it is truly the heartbeat of our mission.

A pack of diapers may seem small, but it can mean the difference between stability and struggle for a parent and between health and hardship for a child.

This proclamation is more than a piece of paper.

It is a reminder that the city recognizes this struggle and is willing to shine its light on it and inspire awareness, compassion, and action.

I want to invite our entire community, City Council included, and the mayor to join us in this mission to support bottoms up by donating diapers, making a contribution, hosting a diaper donation drive at your church, workplace, school, or by simply sharing our message with others.

Every act of support, large or small, helps us to reach more families and remind parents that they are not alone.