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Ever since Giannis Antetokounmpo was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, he has considered it his home. And Milwaukee has been nothing but warmth in their embrace of the ‘Greek Freak’. Saying that Antetokounmpo has done so much for the city would be a mild way of putting it. More recently, his fiancee, Mariah Riddlesprigger, was engaged in another one of their giving-back-to-community drives.

Mother of three, Riddlesprigger, admitted that they were shocked at just how expensive the diapers were with their first child. And this is what prompted them to start a diaper drive, seeing as how it is one of the basic needs when it comes to child-rearing.

Giannis’ partner, Mariah Riddlesprigger, opens up about their BIG drive

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In an exclusive interview with People, Mariah opens up about her struggles as the significant other of a world-famous athlete. It often meant that Giannis’ larger-than-life achievements overshadowed her. But not too long ago, she realized her calling and since then, has been fully engaged in it. Their BIG Give Back was one of many charitable projects Riddlesprigger is involved in.

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“Just because we have the money to pay for diapers doesn’t mean it’s still not a shocking experience. I’m not thinking about myself in that. I’m thinking about other people. This is a basic need that all children should be clean,” Mariah said. Last month, along with CAFF (Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation), Mariah and the boys distributed more than 30,000 diapers to 195 families within two hours.

Like Mariah, Giannis has also joked about the price of diapers in a post game interview once, where he chose not to criticize the referees because of the fine.

The drive also served to raise $188,000 for the families in Milwaukee.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo: 4 Things to Know about His Girlfriend Mariah Danae Riddlesprigger

“It’s hard to find your own identity”: Mariah sheds light on her struggles

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Any and every partner of a celebrated athlete can tell you stories and stories of how the sudden fame and media scrutiny have been a nightmare. From Savannah James to entrepreneur Ayesha Curry, these women were first known as LeBron’s wife or Stephen Curry’s wife, before they made an identity for themselves.

Even then, there are occasions when people attribute their success and hard work to their husbands/partners. Mariah Riddlesprigger was no different. “For the longest time, I struggled personally. What do I want to do? It’s hard to find your own identity sometimes because your life is so much them, your significant other, and what they do,” Riddlesprigger admitted. She goes on to explain how even since her college days, it was always about “giving back”.

Now that she actually is in a position to do so, Mariah has taken the lead in continuing and expanding her passion. After their latest drive, CAFF and Riddlesprigger are working hand-in-hand to “meet with other organizations” and “focus on areas” that need them. Being part of a family for whom giving back comes as naturally as breathing or eating, Mariah is sure to get all the support she wants or needs.

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While Giannis’ basketball skills and talents make for a mesmerizing watch on-court, what really makes him so dear to the Milwaukee community is how easily he’s been able to integrate himself into the culture and the hearts of the people. Here’s to wishing the loving duo the best of luck with their projects!

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