When a diaper makes the difference
Two toddlers help carry a package of diapers. The children photographed are not portrayed in the story below.
As a single mother who works full-time to make ends meet, she has long struggled to find enough money to cover all of her family’s expenses.
Then, it became apparent that her second child’s health needs would lead to mounting diaper expenses. Her child wouldn’t be able to use the bathroom independently for some time due to developmental delays.
How would she afford the diapers her child needed to stay clean and healthy – and what would her family go without so she could buy them? She fell into despair.
She’s not the only parent who has faced hard choices between basic needs like diapers, food and medical treatments. In fact, one in three Nebraska families struggle to afford diapers.
Fortunately, as a program participant at the Learning Community Center of South Omaha (LCCSO), she learned help is available. LCCSO partners with Nebraska Diaper Bank to fill the diaper gap for families who are stretched thin.
Through the partnership, this mom was able to get all the diapers that her child needs, up through the process of potty training.
It’s made all the difference for a stressed mom and her family.
Thanks to Nebraska Diaper Bank, this mom didn’t have to choose between feeding herself and providing her child with the diapers needed to live a happy, normal life.
About diaper need
Diapers are a basic – and essential – need. Just as a baby needs shelter and clothing, they also need diapers to stay healthy, happy and able to sleep. Diaper need refers to the struggle to provide enough clean, dry diapers to ensure that a baby or child can be changed as often as needed.
According to Nebraska Diaper Bank, even the mental health of parents and children is dependent on having a reliable supply of diapers. In fact, 48% of Diaper Bank participants said receiving diapers helped them feel like a better parent, and 68% said that receiving diapers reduced stress and/or helped them feel less frustrated.
The one in three Nebraska families who struggle to afford diapers often must choose between basic needs, because wages don’t cover all the necessities. Nearly all (91%) of Diaper Bank participants have at least one working adult in the household.
The Learning Community Center of South Omaha partners with Nebraska Diaper Bank to serve members of our community.
Because of this partnership, in 2025:
- 1,478 diapers were distributed
- 712 children received diapers
Thank you to our Nebraska Diaper Bank partners!