Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) announced it is opening a Greater Charlotte branch in April 2022. Founded in 2013, DBNC distributes dignity by providing personal hygiene products through local partner organizations. DBNC has existing branches serving the Triangle, Greater Triad, and Lower Cape Fear communities.
“The opening of the Greater Charlotte branch is the culmination of several years of planning and preparation,” said Michelle Old, founder and executive director of DBNC. “We are excited to move toward our vision of addressing personal hygiene needs across the state.”
The Greater Charlotte branch will partner with regional organizations to distribute diapers, formula, and other baby essentials, along with period products and adult incontinence supplies. “Our mission is to distribute dignity at all stages of life,” stated Old.
Research shows that many U.S. families struggle to afford personal care items. One out of every three families reports difficulty accessing adequate diapers and one out of every four individuals reports difficulty accessing adequate period products. Likewise, adult incontinence products can cost $100 per month, a prohibitive amount for many seniors on a fixed income. Personal hygiene items are not covered by any government safety-net programs including SNAP (food stamps) or Medicare.
DBNC has served the Charlotte area since July 2021, distributing hygiene products in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. The opening of the Charlotte-based facility in April will establish a permanent presence, enabling DBNC to strengthen local partnerships and community outreach.
Old acknowledged the integral support of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) and The Archer Foundation, which helped secure the new facility space and raise awareness in the Charlotte community. SSMC also assisted DBNC in raising money to fund operations and staff for the first 18 months.
“It is imperative that we ensure the fundamental necessities of all members of our community are met and having the presence of Diaper Bank of North Carolina locally will provide another means to do so,” said Jordan P. Archer of the Archer Foundation.
“Bringing a diaper bank to the greater Charlotte community has been a labor of love for us at Smart Start,” added Jake House, CEO. “This valuable resource will have a demonstrable impact on the community and the families we serve.”
Diaper Bank of North Carolina is actively recruiting for Branch Coordinator and Community Outreach positions for the Greater Charlotte location.
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About Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
SSMC mobilizes resources, forges partnerships, and supports families to improve early childhood health, education and development and ensure children are prepared for kindergarten. Their four areas of focus are early care and education quality and accessibility, family support, health, and early literacy for children from birth to five.
About Diaper Bank of North Carolina
Founded in 2013, Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) distributes dignity by providing individuals with personal hygiene products through local partner organizations in four regions: Triangle, Greater Triad, Lower Cape Fear, and Greater Charlotte (opening April 2022). Research shows that DBNC programs create impact not merely in number of products distributed, but also in measurable outcomes for families by connecting them to support services that build dignity and promote self-sufficiency. DBNC continually strives toward a vision in which every citizen has access to the basic hygiene products they need to remove barriers to education, employment, and personal fulfillment.
A member of National Diaper Bank Network, DBNC is regarded as an innovation leader and is referenced as an operational model by other diaper banks across the United States.
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