Idaho Diaper Bank offers pocketbook relief to local families in need

As a mother of two small children (ages 2 and 5), there’s no need to lecture Jolleen Noble of Meridian about the cost of diapers – which could run close to $200 a month per child.

And there’s no need to talk to her about other paycheck-eating costs such as daycare, medical emergencies and clothing. She knows all about the challenges of making ends meet.

Noble, of course, can’t solve all of the financial problems. But as the executive director of the Idaho Diaper Bank, she’s providing some welcome relief in at least one area. And there are no forms to fill out, or financial statements to submit.

“People who need diapers need our help,” she said.

There are limits. Noble’s nonprofit organization will provide up to 50 diapers a month per baby, which doesn’t cover the entire cost for diapers. But it does make the monthly diaper tab less daunting.

“Diapers are expensive, and they just add to the cost of everything else,” she said. The diaper bank gets a large portion of its supply from the National Diaper Bank Network, buying bulk from manufacturers and regional diaper drives.

Mary Kay Link, an Idaho Diaper Bank board member for seven years, sees how the organization helps mothers and families. She volunteers with the Holy Apostles St. Vincent de Paul of Meridian, one of 43 working partners that distribute diapers.

“SVDP has many single moms who work and need food and diapers to make ends meet. Saving money on diapers allows them to use the money to pay bills or put gas in their car,” she said.

Noble has been the executive director for almost a year, and demands for the service are growing. “When the diaper bank started in 2014, they were giving out 8,000 diapers a month, and when I started it was 50,000 per month. Typically, we give out 75,000 to 100,000 per month … last month we gave 119,000.”

Noble says that level of growth would not happen without her board of directors.

“We have an incredible all-volunteer board that has helped shape Idaho Diaper Bank into what it is today,” she said. “I would not be in the position I am today, or able to do what I do, without the support, leadership and willingness to jump in wherever they are needed.”

The diaper bank’s 43 partners also contribute to the success. Susan Rohrbacher sees the needed help through Parma Community Schools, which serves more than 25 babies per month.

“This partnership has been especially meaningful for families of children with special needs,” she said. “The Idaho Diaper Bank is truly making a difference by easing financial stress and helping our families feel supported and cared for.”

As with other nonprofit organizations, Noble sees challenges.

“The biggest need is sustainable funding that allows us to grow our reach. Our funding comes from grants and in-kind donations. There is no government assistance,” she said.

“Simply put, if we want to send more diapers out the door, we have to bring more diapers and funding in the door,” Noble said. “Space is becoming another challenge. As we think about serving more families and potentially expanding, sustainable funding and the capacity to store the product becomes increasingly important.”

One big way individuals and businesses can help is through diaper drives.

“Some of my favorite moments are seeing people in the community rally around a diaper drive,” she said. “Those drives bring in product and monetary donations, of course, but they also get people talking about diaper needs and introduce people to our mission. It’s pretty incredible to watch.”

The Idaho Diaper Bank is living up to its slogan, “Changing Babies. Changing Lives.”