Need diapers but can’t afford them? No worries, many churches across the country are stepping up for families who struggle to buy diapers.
The monthly cost of diapers averages $70 to $80 per child, and for many low-income families, that amount is too much to afford.
According to a 2014 report, poorest 20% families spent nearly 14% of their budget on diapers in the USA.
Churches are aware of this real struggle and hence they are running diaper assistance programs across the country to help parents provide clean, quality care for their little ones.
Let’s find out churches that help with diapers:
The Top 12 Churches that Help with Diapers
1. Catholic Charities – Nationwide Network
Catholic Charities operates one of the largest diaper assistance programs in America. They work with local parishes to distribute diapers monthly to families in need.
You can get diapers every 30 days if you meet their requirements. Just bring your ID, proof of address, and income verification. They serve children from newborn to age 5.
Most locations require no income limits.
Some branches even help with emergency diaper needs when you’re completely out.
2. The Salvation Army – Coast to Coast Coverage
The Salvation Army runs diaper pantries in hundreds of locations. Their programs serve both babies and adults who need incontinence supplies.
Call your local Salvation Army office to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins aren’t accepted at most locations. You’ll need ID for adults and birth certificates for children.
They typically offer diapers twice per month. No income requirements exist, but you must show proof of household members.
3. St. Joseph Catholic Church – Howell, Michigan
St. Joseph Catholic Church opens its doors every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM. They stock diapers for families throughout Livingston County.
Their program runs year-round with no appointment needed. Just show up during their Saturday hours at 440 E. Washington St.
The church partners with local health departments to ensure steady diaper supplies. They also carry wipes and other baby essentials.
4. Peters Creek Baptist Church – South Park, Pennsylvania
Peters Creek Baptist Church runs the PCBC Diaper Ministry. They serve about 75 families each month in the Pittsburgh area.
Distribution happens every third Saturday from 9 AM to noon. The program started small but now fills an entire room with supplies.
They offer diapers for babies, teens, and adults. Volunteers also help families with yard work and home repairs throughout the year.
5. Sacred Heart Parish – Fredonia, Kansas
Sacred Heart Parish hosts “Diaper Heaven” twice monthly. They distribute 40 diapers and wipes packages to each family.
The program runs on the first and third Wednesdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. You must live in Wilson County to qualify for assistance.
Diaper Heaven has served over 54 families this year. They’ve expanded to include baby clothes, toys, and furniture donations.
6. St. Patrick Parish – Malvern, Pennsylvania
St. Patrick Parish has delivered over 211,000 diapers since 2018. Their program supports the Patrician Society in nearby Norristown.
Frank Keegan, an 89-year-old parishioner, leads their diaper drive efforts. He aims to reach 250,000 diapers distributed by next year.
The parish accepts donations from people of all faiths. Jewish, Protestant, and Muslim community members regularly contribute diapers and money.
7. St. Michael Catholic Church – Gabriel Project
St. Michael Catholic Church operates the Gabriel Project diaper bank. They serve families for up to three years per child.
The program provides diapers, wipes, and specialized formula. They also accept gently-used infant and toddler clothing.
Contact Sarah Messecar at 817-312-7613 for more information. The group meets monthly on the third Thursday.
8. Northway Christian Church – Monthly Distribution
Northway Christian Church partners with Hope Supply Co. for monthly diaper distribution. They host events every fourth Saturday from 10 AM to noon.
Each family receives up to 75 diapers per child. Adult diapers aren’t available, but they sometimes stock diaper rash cream and wipes.
Volunteers help with distribution days. Contact the church if you want to help families in your community.
9. St. Ambrose Catholic Church – Monthly Diaper Drives
St. Ambrose Catholic Church runs monthly diaper drives every first weekend. They collect diapers at all weekend masses.
The church supports The MaRiH Center with basic baby supplies. They focus on diapers (all sizes), wipes, and Similac Advance formula.
Check their website at stambroseva.org/pro-life for donation guidelines. You can also contact The MaRiH Center directly at 703-370-4774.
10. First Christian Church – Hagerstown, Maryland
First Christian Church established their Diaper Ministry in 2019. They now distribute over 4,800 diapers monthly to 120+ children.
The ministry partners with Washington County schools, Head Start programs, and family centers. They serve children from birth to age 5.
Their distribution only meets one-third of community need. They’re actively seeking nonprofit supplier partnerships to expand services.
11. Redeemer Lutheran Church – Boise, Idaho
Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Wash, Wipe, and Wear (WWW) program gives out diapers and supplies to families who need them most.
Diaper distribution happens on the third Saturday of every month at 2920 Cassia St., Boise, ID 83705.
All residents in the area who need support can receive diapers, wipes, and personal care items without any complicated paperwork.
The church partners with local groups and the Idaho Diaper Bank to make sure families always have access to essential items.
Call 208-344-6758 for current details or visit their website to learn how to pick up your supplies.
12. St. Mary’s Church – Pinckney, Michigan
St. Mary’s Church offers bi-weekly diaper appointments. Call 734-878-3161, extension 7 to schedule your visit.
They provide diapers, wipes, and formula during appointments. The church is located at 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Rd.
Appointments help them manage inventory and serve families better. They also offer other family support services.
How to Find Churches That Help with Diapers Near You?
Call 211 for Local Resources
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for free referral services. They maintain databases of local assistance programs, including church diaper ministries.
The service operates 24/7 in most areas. Spanish-speaking operators are available too.
Check with Local Food Pantries
Food pantries often know which churches offer diaper assistance. Many work together to avoid duplicating services.
Some food pantries also stock diapers alongside groceries. It’s worth asking when you visit.
If you are specifically need help with food, then check out these churches that help with food.
Contact Catholic Charities Offices
Catholic Charities branches exist in most major cities. Even if you’re not Catholic, they’ll help connect you with diaper resources.
Their staff knows about interfaith cooperation programs. They can direct you to Protestant, Jewish, or other faith-based diaper banks too.
Visit Church Websites and Social Media
Many churches post their outreach programs online. Search for “[your city] churches diaper ministry” or similar terms.
Facebook groups for local moms often share information about diaper assistance programs. Join parenting groups in your area for real-time updates.
What You’ll Need to Get Diapers from Churches?
Required Documentation
Most programs ask for basic identification and proof of need:
- Photo ID for parents or guardians
- Birth certificates or social security cards for children
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Income verification (pay stubs, benefit letters)
Some churches waive documentation requirements during emergencies. Don’t let missing paperwork stop you from asking for help.
Age and Size Requirements
Churches typically serve infants through toddlers (ages 0-3). A few programs extend to age 5 or include adult incontinence supplies.
Larger sizes (4, 5, 6) are often in highest demand. Pull-ups for potty training are also needed frequently.
Frequency Limits
Most programs limit families to once-monthly pickups. This prevents hoarding and ensures supplies reach more families.
Emergency exceptions exist for families in crisis. Explain your situation if you need extra help between regular distribution times.
How to Maximize Your Diaper Assistance?
- Arrive Early on Distribution Days: Popular programs can run out of preferred sizes quickly. Getting there when they open gives you the best selection. Bring a list of your children’s current diaper sizes. Babies grow fast, and you might need to size up sooner than expected.
- Build Relationships with Volunteers: Church volunteers often know about other assistance programs in your community. They can connect you with food banks, clothing closets, and job resources too. Many volunteers are parents themselves. They understand your struggles and want to help beyond just providing diapers.
- Ask About Other Baby Supplies: Churches often stock related items like wipes, formula, and baby food. Some also have clothing exchanges for growing children. Don’t be shy about mentioning other needs. Churches frequently receive donations of car seats, cribs, and toys they need to distribute.
- Consider Volunteering When Possible: Giving back helps churches sustain their programs. Even an hour of sorting donations makes a difference. Volunteering also keeps you connected to the program. You’ll learn about special distributions, holiday events, and new services.
How Churches Fund Their Diaper Programs?
- Congregation Donations: Most church diaper programs rely on member donations. Special collections during baby-related events (baptisms, Mother’s Day) are common. Some congregations designate specific Sundays as “Diaper Sundays.” Members bring packages instead of monetary offerings.
- Community Partnerships: Churches partner with local businesses, schools, and organizations for diaper drives. These partnerships multiply their purchasing power. Some work with national organizations like the National Diaper Bank Network. These connections provide bulk purchasing opportunities.
- Grant Funding: Larger programs apply for foundation grants and government funding. Catholic Charities received a $1 million diaper grant through the Central California Food Bank. Grant money allows churches to serve more families consistently. It also funds storage space and transportation costs.
Conclusion
Churches across America are stepping up to help families afford diapers. From Catholic Charities’ nationwide network to small parish programs, faith communities recognize that clean diapers are a basic need, not a luxury.
Don’t wait if your family needs diaper assistance. Most programs have simple requirements and welcoming volunteers ready to help. Got a church that wants to start helping? Begin small with monthly collections and partner with existing organizations. Your community has families right now choosing between diapers and dinner. Your church can make sure no parent faces that impossible choice.
