CLEVELAND — One in three U.S. families experiences what's called “diaper need,” which is the lack of a sufficient amount of diapers to keep an infant or toddler clean, dry and healthy.

What You Need To Know

  • Sept. 21 through Sept. 27 is National Diaper Need Awareness week

  • One in three U.S. families experiences what's called “diaper need" 

  • Nakeisha Wells started the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland in May of 2019 after realizing the need for it in her community

The Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland Partners with local social service agencies to get those diapers to families in need.

“I was just taken back that there were over 200 across the country, but not one here in Cuyahoga County,” said Nakeisha Wells, founder and executive director of the Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland. Wells started the organization in May of 2019.

”Once the idea came to me, I just, I couldn't ignore it,” said Wells.

The Diaper Bank now partners with four different organizations within Cuyahoga County. Through those organizations, they serve about 1,300 families. Wells expects those numbers to triple by the end of the year.

“As I spoke with different nonprofits in the community, many of them were saying that they were going out to the stores, you know, purchasing diapers for their clients—that it is such a great need, you know ... they've been waiting for something like this for quite some time.”

In order to serve those families, they need the help of the community.

“We knew it was a need, but at the time, we had no idea just how great the need was here.”

The bank accepts diapers, pull ups, wipes and baby food.

“Every diaper counts,” said Wells.

The Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland is holding a drive Saturday, Sept. 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Parma Heights.

To make a monetary donation, visit diaperbankgc.org. Diapers can be dropped off at 12200 Fairhill Rd, Cleveland, OH 44120, or call 216-545-1640 to have diapers picked up at your home.

Below are Diaper Banks in other cities across Ohio:

  • Canton – Stark County Diaper Bank
  • Centerville – Hannah’s Treasure Chest 
  • Cincinnati – Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank 
  • Cleves – Baby Basics of Cincinnati
  • Columbus – Columbus Diaper BankColumbus – Columbus Diaper Coalition
  • Euclid – The Diaper Bank of Greater Cleveland
  • Plain City – The Diaper Angels (Jerome United Methodist Church)
  • Trotwood – Gem City Diaper Bank
  • Youngstown – Project MKC