Kirsten Grabo

Executive Director, Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona

When Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona was founded in 1994, it was the nation's first diaper bank. And Kirsten has been involved since the very beginning. "There was a terrible need in our community for diapers," says Kirsten. "I was working with three organizations that were desperate for diapers, and there were no safety nets or social organizations that provided them. I've seen moms use plastic shopping bags to diaper babies and dry out wet diapers and reuse them."

Soon after the diaper bank opened, word got out and the phone started ringing off the hook with mothers who were desperate for diapers—and meeting the demand continues to be Kirsten's greatest challenge. Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona is located in Pima County, where 25% of all children are born into poverty, so while it currently distributes 600,000 diapers a year about 2,000,0000 are needed.

Kirsten's diaper bank receives most of its diapers from the general public and diaper drives. They receive strong support from community businesses, civic groups, schools and faith-based organizations, including free advertising on a local radio station and free diaper pick-ups by a trucking company. And their warehouse is entirely run by special needs students.

"This simple basic thing—providing diapers—can make such a direct impact on people's lives," she says. One story that is the most touching to Kirsten is about a girl who became pregnant at age 15 and, overcoming all odds, is currently a senior at University of Arizona—all because Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona won't give diapers to teenagers unless they stay in school. The girl is now one of her best volunteers and counsels other teens.

"I'm excited about the possibilities of the Every Little Bottom Program," says Kirsten. "I'm excited that everyone will hear about this crisis and there will be a dialogue about it. We've been screaming about this issue for years, and finally it will get national attention."

For Kirsten, the problem goes far beyond a need for diapers. Her goal is to help families break the cycle of poverty. She says: "Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona is trying to be a leg up, not just a hand-out. We give our diapers to social service agencies to distribute because this gets social workers in the door of people in need, who are often distrustful of help. Diapers impact lives in so many ways."