Blog & Newspaper

Full Story

The idea to start the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida bank grew after founder Crystal Parks learned about the National Diaper Bank Network and its mission to end diaper need in the U.S. Upon also learning that WIC and food stamps cannot be used to purchase diapers, she was immediately drawn to the idea of volunteering with a local diaper bank. When Crystal discovered there were no diaper banks in Jacksonville—she decided to start one herself.

In October 2019 the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida was founded and in February 2020 Crystal hosted her first community diaper drive, which resulted in the collection of over 6,600 diapers for local nonprofit Gateway-Steps to Recovery.

So, what is the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida? It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was formed as an effort to streamline the collection and distribution of diapers to low-income families across Northeast Florida while also raising awareness that “basic human needs” include diapers.

With diapers and financial contributions from the community, their goal is to build a sustainable diaper bank that will serve as a resource for existing social service organizations and their clients who experience diaper need. Through these collaborative partnerships, low-income families across Northeast Florida will gain access to an adequate supply of diapers and diaper-related products. By working with organizations that are already well established in the community, diapers are collected and distributed in the most efficient and timely manner. Such current partner agencies include: Community Health Outreach, Gateway Community Services, Family Promise of Jacksonville, and The Cloth Option.

Why Diapers

Diaper need affects more families than you may realize. Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby or toddler clean, dry and healthy. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need. Disposable diapers can cost up to $100 per month, per child, and infants require up to 12 diapers per day, toddlers about 8.

In the US, due to diaper need:

48% borrow money from family/friends
40% keep their child diaperless
39% stretch diaper use by keeping a child in a diaper longer
30% get diapers from a diaper bank or charity

This diaper need has consequences for both the children and parents:

Babies who remain in a soiled diaper too long are exposed to potential health risks such as skin infections, urinary tract infection, discomfort or pain.
Diaper need can impact the mental well-being of children and their families. Children become irritable and fussy, which can lead to maternal frustration, guilt and embarrassment.
Most childcare centers require parents to provide a day's supply of disposable diapers; therefore, many parents cannot go to work or school if they can't leave their babies at a childcare center.

Get Involved

The Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida has made it easy to get involved and help!

Donate Diapers: They gladly accept ANY size, ANY brand, and also accept leftover diapers when your little one has been potty trained or grown out of a size.
Host a Diaper Drive: Hosting a diaper drive is a great way to help local families experiencing diaper need; find the tools to help you get started at jaxdiaperbank.com.
Dollars for Diapers: Money donations help as well!

Where to Get Diapers

The Diaper Bank does not distribute diapers directly to individuals or families, rather through a network of qualified partner agencies and programs that serve families living in Duval, Clay, Baker, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Visit jaxdiaperbank.com for more information.