Operation Diaper Bag Supports New Veteran Moms
By Nick Choy, Public Affairs Specialist
Story courtesy of Kristina Hays and Jessica Majano, VA Portland Center for Development and Civic Engagement.
The VA Portland Health Care System’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), in collaboration with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and the Veterans Health Administration Portland (VHAPOR) Women’s Health Care Coordinators, is enhancing support for new Veteran mothers through the Operation Diaper Bag initiative.
Operation Diaper Bag aims to provide essential items to new Veteran moms, ensuring they have the support they need during what many see as a significant time in their lives. The initiative is made possible by the dedication of VA Portland’s volunteers and contributions from various local Veteran Service Organizations, or VSOs.
“Operation Diaper Bag reflects our deep commitment to supporting new Veteran moms,” says Karla Azcuy, Director, VA Portland Health Care System. “Welcoming a child should come with confidence, comfort, and community — and this initiative helps ensure our Veterans feel exactly that.”
Upon delivery notifications from the Maternity Care Coordinators—usually received within days, a team of dedicated volunteers—Lisa Clark, Karen Grange, Valarie Morey, Jessie Stober, Sandy Scharfer, and Vickie Partridge—begin their work. They assemble personalized baby boxes that include a full-size diaper bag, size-appropriate diapers, small baby items, multiple sizes of baby clothing and handmade baby layette and celebratory items for the new mom. All items are donated by community VSOs.
Jessica Majano, Chief of VA Portland’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), said the program would not have been as successful without these VSOs.
“I would also like to recognize Kristina Hays, our Voluntary Service Assistant, who has done an outstanding job ensuring the program remains sustainable by collaborating with Veterans Service Organizations,” Majano said. “Her efforts have helped the program expand and continue to be a success.”
Specifically, the Portland and Vancouver VA campuses have received substantial contributions from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Washington and Oregon chapters, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliaries (VFWA), The Elks of Oregon State, and individual donors throughout the year.
“We are honored to stand beside these new mothers, providing resources that strengthen both their families and their well-being,” Azcuy added.
The Tualatin Elks Auxiliary was able to secure a national grant, donating more than $2,000 to Operation Diaper Bag. The donation was featured on the Tualatin Life website; https://tualatinlife.com/happenings/operation-diaper-bag-underway-at-tualatin-valley-elks-lodge/
In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Operation Diaper Bag served approximately 174 postpartum Veterans, marking an increase of just over 47 percent from the previous two years. Six months into the 2026 fiscal year, CDCE has already sent over 41 baby boxes, exceeding the number sent in the same period last year by 10.
“Operation Diaper Bag, supported by dedicated CDCE volunteers, demonstrates our commitment to aiding new Veteran mothers, ensuring they have the essential items and community support they need during this significant time in their lives,” Majano said.
If you would like to donate items, contact VA Portland’s CDCE at
April 19-25 was National Volunteer Appreciation Week. National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers across the country. The theme for 2026 is “This is Your Year to Volunteer!”