We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lindsay Gill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lindsay below.

Lindsay , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I started the Napkin Network on the last day of 2020 after witnessing how many moms, including myself, were struggling during COVID-19 to provide basic baby essentials for our children. I wanted 2021 to be a better year for moms across the country. Thus, I incorporated The Napkin Network with the mission of moms helping moms in need. Our goal is to provide free and easy access to basic baby essentials, like diapers, wipes, formula, and emergency food.

Being a mom is a challenging and expensive role. As a mom of three, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to provide certain items, even in a stable financial household. Children are costly, and as they grow, the expenses increase. No baby and no mom should have to worry about where a clean diaper will come from. This mission is close to my heart because it reflects my experiences and those of many other moms. The Napkin Network aims to alleviate some of these burdens, ensuring that no mom has to face these challenges alone

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a mom of three children, ages 8, 5, and 3. They are my pride and joy, teaching me so much about life and the challenges of being a mom. Inspired by them, I founded The Napkin Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free and easy access to basic baby essentials like diapers and formula. The idea came to me during the last days of 2020 when I saw many moms struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing mothers having to choose between feeding their children or providing them with a clean diaper broke my heart. I realized I could help and make a difference.

I started by tapping into my personal network of moms at my children’s school, clubs, and neighborhood. Their swift and enthusiastic response showed me that other moms across the country would also want to help. This led to the mission of “Moms Helping Moms in Need,” which has rapidly grown to support mothers in all 50 states.

The Napkin Network focuses on providing essential items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and emergency food. Our goal is to ensure that no baby or mom has to worry about basic needs. Although our primary focus is on moms in the Washington, D.C. area, we have plans to expand our reach because the cost of raising children is a burden felt nationwide.

As a mom, I am nimble and responsive to real-time needs. Over the course of The Napkin Network’s history, we have faced challenges like formula shortages, cold medicine shortages, and now, inflation. My experience as a mother keeps me connected to the immediate needs of families, allowing me to respond quickly and effectively.

I am most proud of the community we have built. The Napkin Network relies on the inherent empathy and understanding among mothers. This collective support has been the backbone of our success, enabling us to provide critical resources to those in need.

The main thing I want people to know is that The Napkin Network is dedicated to alleviating the struggles of motherhood by providing essential resources. Our mission is fueled by the compassion and generosity of moms who understand the challenges firsthand. We are committed to expanding our reach and continuing to support mothers across the country.

In its nearly fifth year, The Napkin Network has made significant strides, but there is still much work to be done. I am proud of what we have created and look forward to growing our impact even further.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Since graduating college in 2006, I have worked in various fundraising roles, most notably for 10 years with my husband and his nonprofit. I served as Executive Director, where we transitioned from an all-volunteer organization to a staff of seven, raising nearly $2 million annually. At the height of our success, the pandemic hit. With two children and a third on the way, I had to leave that role to stay home and care for my kids, who could no longer go to school or even leave the house.

Personally, I was at a loss about what to do with my life and career. The forced pause made me examine what I truly wanted to do and which demographic I wanted to serve. That’s when The Napkin Network was born. This nonprofit, dedicated to providing baby essentials to moms in need, emerged from my desire to help mothers facing challenges similar to mine during the pandemic.

Sometimes life happens for you, and the answers reveal themselves when you least expect them. While the pandemic wasn’t a good thing for anyone, it forced me to make the most of a bad situation. I’m grateful for this unexpected turn because it led me to discover a new purpose in life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The hardest part of my job is dealing with money. Whether it’s raising money, allocating funds, or dealing with donor fatigue, the financial aspect is always challenging. For both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, money remains a constant concern. How am I going to get it? Where is it coming from? How should it be spent? And how can I ensure the sustainability of our efforts?

As a nonprofit in an already expensive world, persuading people to part with their money for others can be particularly difficult. I’ve personally experienced significant donor fatigue. Even when asking for small amounts, I often face strong pushback. Every day, I question whether I should continue if support seems to be waning. However, I am constantly reminded of the bigger picture and the essential support that moms need. They rely on someone like me to keep going.

By 2025, I plan to apply for larger sponsorships and grants, hoping for positive responses that recognize the vital importance of our mission. It can be tough to remain resilient in the face of rejection, but when you believe in something larger than yourself, you find the strength to persevere. The cause is crucial, and the mission is significant, which keeps me motivated to continue despite the challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thenapkinnetwork.com
• Instagram: TheNapkinNetwork

Image Credits

@Moshe Zusman
@Igda Warner Photography
@Kattariya May Photography
@Eunice Kim Photography