Why we help: Meeting the basic need of clean diapers for children

Alicia Heacock and Meagan Lyon Leimena

We distribute diapers to partner organizations for families struggling to afford enough to keep their children clean, dry and healthy. We do this work because we are moms invested in the health and well-being of other moms and children in our community.

Clean diapers are a basic need, and it is unacceptable to us that children in our community go without them and that parents, often mothers, bear the stress, worry and financial hardship of trying to afford them.

Families need diapers to keep their children clean and healthy, and when they cannot afford enough, often have to delay changes or use other items like paper towels or plastic bags. And most child care facilities require at least a day’s worth of diapers in advance, so parents must have diapers to access child care so they can work. Diapers really matter to families!

We are motivated by our remarkable partnerships in the community; we now have more than 50 distribution partners. We are grateful for the ability to share leadership of the diaper bank, working together to meet the ongoing public health crisis of diaper need.

Our biggest challenges are the incredible increase in need since the pandemic. In 2018 and 2019, we were distributing 3,000 diapers a month. In 2021, we have been distributing 25,000 to 30,000 diapers a month, and we have a waitlist of partners. We rely on donations of diapers, dollars and time from our incredible community.

We are a small but mighty group and need logistical and practical support to maintain our growth and meet this painful need during these unprecedented times. Learn more and join us: www.babiesneedbottoms.org.

— Alicia Heacock and Meagan Lyon Leimena
Co-executive directors
Babies Need Bottoms
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.