For many babies in diaper need, diaper banks are making a remarkable difference in their lives. With clean, dry diapers, babies are emotionally and physically healthier. And, moms are less stressed and able to carry out one of their most important jobs as a parent—diapering.
What is a diaper bank?
Diaper banks operate like food banks. They collect, store and distribute diapers to families who are having financial difficulties and can't afford them. Diaper banks get the diapers in various ways: donations by individuals and local retailers, local diaper drives and other activities, and purchases made through fundraising dollars. And while some diaper banks give diapers directly to families in need, they're usually distributed by local social service agencies such as women's shelters, food pantries, publicly-funded daycare centers, and through local church programs.
Created by members of the community
Most diaper banks were started by moms who discovered that less fortunate moms in their communities didn't have enough diapers. The thought of not being able to change your child's diaper or having to resort to drying and reusing a disposable diaper was unimaginable to them. Realizing public resources are limited as food assistance programs focus solely on food and nutrition and do not cover diapers these dedicated citizens started to collect diapers through diaper drives and fundraising events. Soon, they were running the nation's first diaper banks.
HUGGIES® is supporting diaper banks and helping them expand
At the moment, there are only a handful of diaper banks in the nation. HUGGIES® created Every Little Bottom to help support their local work and also to help make millions of diapers available across the U.S. After all, like the diaper bank founders, HUGGIES® goal is to help as many moms as possible have the diapers they need.
Real stories of how diapers help change lives
"I started WestSide Baby because I was one stressed-out, freaked-out new mom, even though I didn't have to worry about having enough money to feed, clothe and diaper my babies. I couldn't stand imagining the level of stress felt by new moms with low incomes, no incomes, no healthcare, no home. WestSide Baby had to be born."
-Donna Pierce, Westside Baby
"I've seen moms use plastic shopping bags to diaper babies. And they'll dry out soiled diapers and reuse them. This simple basic thing—providing diapers—can make such a direct impact on people's lives."
-Kristin Grabo, Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona
"I tear up each time someone asks me why I got involved. I am operating a diaper bank because I know on a daily basis that we are helping a baby to cry less, sleep more peacefully and grin more often."
-Nancy Woodland, WestSide Baby
"If we can address this essential thing—diapers—mothers can focus on other basic needs."
-Lisa Truong, Help A Mother Out
