For thousands of families across Central New York, diapers are not just a baby item – they’re a financial burden. Unlike food or health care, diapers are not covered by most public assistance programs, leaving many parents scrambling to afford this basic necessity.

That’s where the Central New York Diaper Bank comes in. The Liverpool-based nonprofit has been quietly making a big difference since 2016, distributing over 10 million diapers to families in need. Today, the organization supports about 3,700 children each month.

“The mission of the diaper bank is to help families in need,” said Melissa Grabowski, program manager at the CNY Diaper Bank. “Some of the obstacles that families face are the high price of diapers. And they’re forced to choose between diapers and food sometimes, or paying for rent.”

The timing is critical. A pack of 32 diapers costs around $10. According to Babylist.com, newborns typically go through 10 to 12 diapers each day, while babies over six months still require around five daily. For struggling families, the monthly costs add up quickly, especially when caring for multiple children.

The Samaritan Center in Syracuse is one of the organizations directly supported by the diaper bank. Through its partnership, more than 100 children each month receive diaper supplies – support that Executive Director Mary Beth Frey says is vital for both the children and their caregivers.

“Moms struggle when there’s so few resources and the research shows that moms are trying to stretch diapers or are not attending to their kids as frequently as they might want to,” Frey said. “That adds stress, that adds anxiety, and that adds additional difficulty to a family that’s already going through some difficult times.”

The support goes far beyond just diapers. At places like the Samaritan Center, families not only find essentials, they find compassion.

“I think this building and this space is full of joy, is full of community, is full of connection,” Frey said. “Volunteering here or being involved here, you realize how alike we are, and I think that’s the beautiful thing that happens here. It helps ground us as humans walking on a similar path.”

For those looking to help, the Central New York Diaper Bank accepts donations year-round, because for many families, something as small as a diaper can mean stability, dignity, and the chance to breathe just a little easier.