Diaper Bank founder named 2019 Humanitarian

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Jill Bright, founder of the nonprofit Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, was selected as the 2019 recipient of the Humanitarian Award.

Bright is scheduled to be honored Dec. 5 at a luncheon hosted by Community Foundation of the Ozarks. She was chosen by a committee organized by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, according to a news release.

The 2012-founded Diaper Bank of the Ozarks has provided nearly 4 million diapers to families with unstable incomes in southwest Missouri. Diapers, according to the release, are not covered under government assistance programs.

Founded in 1990 by late Springfield philanthropist Jewell Thompson Schweitzer, the Humanitarian Award honors individuals who serve others in the area. In 2018, the award went to Dr. Tricia Derges, founder of Springfield nonprofit Lift Up Someone Today.

Bright will receive a $5,000 cash award, which typically is donated to charity, according to the release.

The chamber selection committee comprised Robin Robeson, John Birchett, Saehee Duran, Carmen Parker-Bradshaw, Jeff Seifried, Robert Spence and the Rev. Mark Struckhoff.