National Diaper Need Awareness Week is Sept. 15–21, but local nonprofit LEAP (Learn, Educate, Advocate, Partner) is teaming up with area businesses to raise awareness and diapers for babies in need all month long.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network’s Diaper Check, one in two families in the U.S. struggles to afford diapers for their children, and there is currently no government investment in providing diapers to families.

LEAP’s Diaper Bank is crucial to filling this gap, helping local families access free diapers and wipes for their children, the nonprofit said.

Since launching its diaper bank in 2021, LEAP remains the only registered diaper bank in Santa Barbara County and has distributed some 260,000 diapers and wipes to local families.

This will mark the third year LEAP has participated in National Diaper Need Awareness Week, raising awareness and partnering with local organizations to hold diaper drives.

Community members are invited to donate unopened boxes of diapers at one of LEAP’s Diaper Drive Partners in Goleta:

• Old Town Coffee, 5877 Hollister Ave., Goleta.
• Deckers Brand Showcase, 6601 Hollister Ave., Goleta.
• RiseUp Fitness (Sept. 13-21), 7127 Hollister Ave., Ste. 110, Goleta.

LEAP will be collecting donations at these sites throughout September, with diapers distributed directly to families through the LEAP Diaper Bank.

For more about LEAP’s Diaper Bank, hosting a diaper drive, or supporting the program, email info@leapcentralcoast.org.