Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain.

“No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers,” said LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned, which is why they are reinforcing their collaboration in an effort to make life less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.

Volunteers pack diapers for LEAP’s Diaper Bank. (Courtesy photo)
Volunteers pack diapers for LEAP’s Diaper Bank. (Courtesy photo)

Hearts Aligned is a Santa Barbara County-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance, advocacy, and emotional support to families with critically ill children. LEAP has the only registered diaper bank in the county.

By joining forces to provide free diapers and wipes to families in crisis, the two groups are expanding access to essential supplies for families facing the dual burden of medical and financial hardship in North County.

“Hearts Aligned is honored to deepen our partnership with LEAP and help more families who are already dealing with the unimaginable stress of having a critically ill child,” said Vivian Solodkin, executive director of Hearts Aligned.

“Something as small as a pack of diapers can lift a burden and remind families that they’re not alone. Special thanks to a grant from Dignity Health that enables us to strengthen this partnership with LEAP,” she said.

LEAP launched its diaper bank in 2021 and has distributed more than 200,000 diapers since then, thanks to a growing network of community partners, volunteers and donors.

“This expanded partnership with Hearts Aligned is a step toward ensuring every family, no matter their zip code or circumstances, has access to the essentials their children need to grow and thrive,” LEAP said.

“This isn’t just about diapers, it’s about dignity, health, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can meet your child’s most basic needs,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP. “We’re grateful to have Hearts Aligned as a trusted partner who understands the families they serve deeply and meets them with compassion.”

“With a location in Santa Maria and the ability to deliver directly to families, Hearts Aligned is well-positioned to reach families in North County who otherwise might not have access to this type of support,” the nonprofit said.

To help local babies, host a diaper drive, volunteer to pack diapers for LEAP’s Diaper Bank, email LEAP at info@leapcentralcoast.org.

For more, visit www.leapcentralcoast.org, or heartsaligned.org.