A Note from our Executive Director

Dear Lori,

It takes courage to try something new. Back in 2020, my friend Wendi called to see if LEAP (then IVYP) would consider starting a diaper bank. We knew that there was a need for diapers in our community. After all, research shows that one in two families struggle with the high cost of diapers.

What we didn’t know is how we would pay for or sustain a diaper bank. How would adding this resource for families impact our staff’s capacity? Where would we store diapers? I didn’t know the answer to any of these questions, but we agreed it was important to try.

So, we began giving away diapers in January 2021, and became a member of the National Diaper Bank Network soon after. Since then, we have distributed more than 200,000 diapers to families throughout Santa Barbara County. And a surprising thing happened – when new parents came in to pick up diapers, they also learned about parenting, and potty training, and financial literacy, and tenants’ rights. What started out as a transaction, led to a relationship. 

Diapers change lives. They keep babies clean and dry. They relieve stress and the financial burden from parents. Its that simple. 

However, there is no government funding stream for our diaper bank. We rely on you, our donors and community members to help us sustain this vital community need. September is Diaper Need Awareness Month. I hope you’ll consider supporting our diaper bank this month and every month, with a monthly donation. Additionally, several wonderful partners are hosting diaper drives this month. We invite you to drop off a box, or even a partial box, of diapers. (See below for more information.) Thank you.



Lori Goodman

Executive Director