ASHEVILLE, N.C. — There’s a high demand for diapers for mothers across the state, but not all can afford the hefty prices.

An organization in western North Carolina understands the recent inflation, and is working hard to help western North Carolina moms.

“When I heard about diaper banks and found that there is a really big need for families that don’t have the ability to afford an extra box of diapers in their closet, it kind of broke me,” Alicia Heacock said. 

Heacock added that’s why these moms and business partners at Babies Need Bottoms are working together to help fill that need.   

“We feel like serving these basic hygiene essentials are helping families be functional,” Meagan Lyon Leimena said. “We feel like serving these basic hygiene essentials are helping families be functional,” Meagan Lyon Leimena said. 

Almost half of households find it difficult to purchase them for their children, according to recent research from the Institute for Research on Poverty. Pull-ups are another way they’re able to meet the needs in the community, because they’re about three times the cost of diapers. 

Meagan and Alicia say being moms themselves allow them empathize with families trying to care for their children in every way.   

“I really care about women. We are an organization where we support babies, but really we support women and all of the things that our community is missing out on,” Heacock said. 

“I am doing this work, so that I can support those women and help to keep those children healthy,” Lyon Leimena added. “Not having the resources, you need to do the basic acts of caregiving, so keeping your children fed and clean, healthy, is just devastating.” 

North Carolina is among the 26 states that impose taxes on diapers. Due to the increasing need, Babies Need Bottoms said they distribute over 40,000 diapers every month to over 75 partners in western North Carolina. 

You can volunteer, or start your own diaper bank, by contacting Babies Need Bottoms.