DONATION RESOURCE // Indiana Diaper Bank
Our Indianapolis Donation Guide has been our favorite local resource to share over the years, and we love the full circle moments when we can help amplify the stories behind the donation needs. We always find that having a specific use case for how an organization is putting our client’s items straight into the hands of those in need makes the letting go process so much easier.
We loved having the chance to sit down with Dani Wilson, Development Manager for the Indiana Diaper Bank, to talk about the great need for diapers throughout the state, how they distribute millions of diapers on an annual basis and how YOU can help support their efforts.
What problem is the Indiana Diaper Bank trying to solve that most people don’t fully understand?
Many people don’t realize just how widespread diaper need is in our community. 1 in 2 families struggle to afford enough diapers for their children in Indiana. Diapers are a basic necessity—yet they are not covered by government assistance programs like WIC or SNAP. That leaves thousands of families without support for one of the most essential items a baby needs.
The impact goes far beyond cost. When families can’t afford diapers, it creates stress, shame, and impossible choices for caregivers. And for children, the consequences can be serious. A recent study published by a pediatrician at Eskenazi Hospital highlights the reality many families face: parents are forced to use alternatives like napkins, towels, or even plastic bags. In some cases, babies must wear the same diaper for extended periods of time. These situations can lead to severe diaper rash, infections, and other health complications—often resulting in increased visits to the emergency room.
Diaper need is not just a financial issue—it’s a public health issue, a mental health issue, and a dignity issue. It’s a gap in our safety net that too often goes unseen, but has very real consequences for families in our community.
How did you personally come to be involved and what was the draw to the organization?
I’ve been with the Indiana Diaper Bank for five and a half years, but my connection started even earlier as a donor. At the time, I had two young children of my own and experienced firsthand how expensive diapers can be. I knew this was a real need, and I wanted to be part of a mission that was addressing it.
My professional background is in food service management within low-income schools, where I helped run programs that ensured kids had access to meals outside of the school day—after-school snacks, dinners, and meals during school breaks. Through that work, I saw how widely understood and supported food insecurity is. What really struck me was realizing that diaper need isn’t talked about in the same way. Many people don’t know that diapers aren’t covered by government assistance programs, and that families often leave the hospital with very limited supplies.
That gap—and the lack of awareness around it—made me want to get involved and help bring more attention to the issue. Being a parent is hard enough. I’m passionate about making sure no caregiver has to worry about something as basic as having a clean diaper for their child.
What’s something about your day-to-day work that would surprise people?
One thing that might surprise people is that I don’t have a typical 9-5 schedule. My work is incredibly flexible, which I’m so grateful for, especially with two busy kids and a husband who travels frequently. My days can look a little different each week, and I often find myself working early in the mornings or after my family has gone to bed. Because of that, my kids are very aware of—and involved in—what I do. In fact, my daughter has already declared that she wants to be the Indiana Diaper Bank CEO when she grows up!
Another part of my work that might surprise people is how connected it is to the community. I’m always looking for ways to bring our mission and our local community together—whether that’s through partnerships, events, or simply raising awareness. That connection is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
Could you share an overview of the services you provide?
Indiana Diaper Bank partners with 74 community organizations currently. We work closely with a network of community partners, including social service agencies, healthcare providers, schools, and food pantries, to distribute essential diapering products directly to families in need. Through these partnerships, we coordinate distribution schedules, share data on community needs, and ensure equitable access across our service area. This collaborative approach allows us to efficiently reach underserved populations while strengthening the broader safety net for Hoosier families. This wrap around approach allows families to thrive where they live.
Our TANF service project is a grant-funded state project run by the Indiana Diaper Bank in partnership with WIC offices across the state. The purpose of this service project is to provide assistance to those experiencing diaper need so that babies can be healthy and happy. This service project is for households who receive FSSA benefits including TANF, WIC, SNAP, and Hoosier Healthwise. Eligible families will receive 200 diapers every other month for 2 years for their child/children.
What’s one long-term goal you’re excited about right now?
One of the things I’m most excited about right now is Indiana Diaper Bank’s upcoming expansion to include Project Period, beginning in October 2026. This is a meaningful step forward in how we support families more holistically. Both organizations have been part of the National Diaper Bank Network and the Alliance for Period Supplies, and we’ve seen firsthand how closely our missions align. By bringing these efforts together, we have an opportunity to better serve individuals and families by addressing multiple basic needs—not just diapers, but period products as well. This expansion allows us to support the whole family with greater impact, reduce barriers, and continue building dignity-centered solutions in our community.
What excites me most is the opportunity to continue growing both our impact and awareness around diaper need. While we’ve made incredible progress, there is still so much work to be done—especially when 1 in 2 families in our community are still struggling to afford diapers.
Long term, I’m excited about expanding our reach so that every family who needs diapers can access them consistently and without barriers. That means strengthening partnerships, increasing distribution, and continuing to build a network of support across our community. I’m also really hopeful about the growing awareness of diaper need as a public health issue. The more we can educate others and bring this issue into the conversation—alongside things like food insecurity—the closer we get to real, systemic change. At the heart of it all, I’m excited about building a community where no parent has to choose between essentials and no child has to go without a clean diaper.
What are your most urgent needs right now—financial or otherwise?
Right now, our most urgent need is diapers—especially in sizes 1, 5, and 6. We accept new and open packages of diapers too, which is great when your child moves up a sizes or moves out of diapers completely.
Financial support is also critical. One thing many people don’t realize is just how far a donation can go. We often say, “your money goes further when we do the shopping,” because through our partnerships with distributors, we’re able to purchase up to 4 diapers for every dollar donated. That means every contribution makes a significant impact for families in our community.
In addition to donations, we’re actively scheduling volunteer groups for the summer and beyond. Volunteering is a hands-on way to support our mission, and we’d love to have individuals, teams, or organizations get involved. Because of the scale of need and the cost of supplies, there is a fee associated with volunteer group opportunities—but it directly supports the diapers and resources needed to serve families.
Whether through giving or volunteering, there are so many ways to make a meaningful difference right now.
What does a $25 / $100 / $500 donation actually do?
Every dollar makes a meaningful difference—and goes further than most people expect.
$25 provides diapers for 4 children
$100 provides diapers for 16 children
$500 provides diapers for 80 children
Because of our ability to purchase directly from distributors, we’re able to stretch every donation to reach more families in need. Now imagine that impact multiplied. If those gifts were given monthly, YOU would be providing consistent, reliable support to families across our community—helping ensure that no child goes without a clean diaper. It’s a simple way to make a lasting difference right here at home!
Can you share a recent story that captures the impact of your work?
One moment that has always stayed with me happened at a community event where we were distributing diapers. A dad walked up carrying his baby in a car seat, with his toddler by his side. He told me he didn’t even know what size diaper his baby should be wearing. I was able to help him figure out the right size—something that might seem small, but really matters, because diapers don’t work properly if they’re too big or too small. (It’s also why we continue to share diaper size charts and education alongside distributions.) After we found the right fit, I gave him diapers and a few books we had available at the time. He smiled, thanked us, and you could see the relief on his face. Later, as I was leaving the event, I saw him again—this time loading his kids into a pickup truck in the front row of the vehicle next to him. The windshield was badly broken, a clear sign of the challenges he was facing. And yet, he was still smiling, still grateful, just happy to have resources to take care of his kids.
That moment stuck with me because it’s a powerful reminder: you can’t always see what a family is going through. But something as simple as providing diapers can make a real, immediate difference—and give parents the ability to show up for their children with dignity and care.
How many people in our community benefit from your services?
In 2025, we distributed 9,772,670 diapers to 177,272 children!
Each month, we distribute 650,000 diapers on average.
How can readers follow and support your work?
Our big annual Polo at Sunset fundraiser is Friday, August 7 at Hickory Hall Polo Club in Whitestown (we are currently looking for sponsors, wine/bourbon donations, and silent auction donations). Anyone can support the event as general admission, so save the date on your calendar!
Meet our Mission is Wednesday, September 16 (AM and PM sessions). We will share updates about our impact in the community and people can choose to stay to bundle diapers after.
Host a diaper or wipes drive within your organization, school, workplace, or community (my kids host a diaper drive in lieu of asking for gifts at their birthday party each year so it's a really fun way to get kids involved with the mission too!)
Organize a small fundraiser to support diaper purchases and distribution
Make a financial contribution, which allows us to purchase diapers in bulk at a reduced cost
Share our mission by helping raise awareness about diaper need through social media or newsletters and follow us on social media (@INdiaperbank)
Advocate for diaper access, including supporting policies that recognize diapers as a basic necessity
Volunteer with us! We are very friendly and people ages 0-100 can volunteer with us!
If you could tell the community one thing, what would it be?
Our team at Indiana Diaper Bank may be small, but we are incredibly mighty. Each person here has their own “why”—a personal reason this mission resonates deeply with them—and that shared passion drives everything we do. Because of that commitment, we do whatever it takes to ensure children and families in our community have access to clean diapers. This work isn’t just a job for us—it’s something we truly believe in.
At the same time, none of this would be possible without the support of our community. Our volunteers, donors, diaper drop spots, and partners are essential to our mission. Their dedication and generosity are what allow us to keep showing up for families every single day. This is truly a collective effort—and we’re so grateful to be part of a community that cares. It’s a community coming together to make sure no child goes without a basic need—and that’s something truly powerful!
The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis.
To keep up to date with all of the tips, tricks and inspiration doled out, subscribe to our newsletter, The Minimal-List, here.