Goleta diaper bank helps local families facing rising costs
GOLETA, Calif. — For families already stretching every dollar, something as simple as a box of diapers can make a significant difference.
Maria Arroyo, a Goleta mother, says LEAP’s diaper bank gave her one less expense to worry about.
“It was 30 diapers twice a month,” Arroyo said. “It was just a Godsend to be able to count on that.”
Arroyo says she wasn’t concerned about the brand of diapers she received. What mattered was knowing she would have enough for her child.
“I really didn’t care the brand,” she said. “I was really more thankful about not having to worry.”
Diaper need affects families across the country
The National Diaper Bank Network says one in two U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers for their children.
LEAP CEO Lori Goodman says the cost of diapers can force families to make difficult choices between basic necessities.
“Sometimes families need to choose between having clean diapers and having food on the table or paying rent,” Goodman said.
LEAP created its diaper bank to help ease some of that financial pressure.
“We thought that by distributing diapers, we might be able to just make it a little bit easier,” Goodman said.
According to LEAP, the organization has distributed more than 328,000 diapers and wipes throughout Santa Barbara County.
Local diaper drive aims to collect 20,000 diapers
September is National Diaper Need Awareness Month, and local organizations are using the month to raise awareness about diaper insecurity and encourage community members to donate.
LEAP has set a goal of collecting 20,000 diapers during September, but organizers say donations are needed throughout the year.
“The goal for the month of September is 20,000 diapers, but we will take them every month of the year,” said Laura Costilla, a LEAP community engagement specialist.
LEAP and its community partners are accepting diapers and other baby essentials at diaper drive locations, including Old Town Coffee and Deckers.
Goodman says having access to enough diapers can also have an impact on a child's health and comfort.
“Anyone who's had children and the child has a diaper rash — that is not fun for the parents,” Goodman said. “And it's really not fun for the child.”
She says families who are struggling financially may try to make diapers last longer when they cannot afford to buy another package.
“You might try to stretch it out a little bit,” Goodman said. “And then that's a child in pain.”
How to help
LEAP is encouraging community members to donate diapers, wipes and other baby essentials throughout September and year-round.
For families who need assistance, LEAP also provides information about available diaper resources in the community.
