Posted on September 9, 2026
By Diane Dellanno
ACNJ Senior Policy Analyst
Diapers are a basic need for all babies, essential to their health and well-being. Keeping infants and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy helps build the strong foundation all children require to reach their full potential. However, findings from the Diaper Need Check 2026 study conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network, revealed nearly half (40%) of all U.S. households with young children under age 4 in diapers report diaper insecurity.
On average, infants need their diapers changed 10 to 12 times a day, adding up to approximately $100 a month per child, for an average of three years. To afford diapers, 45% of households experiencing diaper insecurity have skipped credit cards or bill payments, 29% have delayed rent or mortgage payments, and 34% have skipped meals.
The National Diaper Bank Network works to address diaper need across the country and helps coordinate a network of diaper banks in each state. New Jersey has a total of seven diaper banks associated with the national network that distribute 12.5 million diapers annually serving 20,800 infants and toddlers monthly.
To learn how one NJ Diaper Bank is making a difference, meet Callie Crowder, UP Collaborating Partner and executive director of The Maker’s Place.
Callie Crowder, executive director at The Maker's Place, was born and raised in Trenton, NJ. Callie, a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and community leader, is passionate about building relationships with people, especially those impacted by the political economy of racism and oppression. “We build relationships, foster community, and earn trust from residents. It’s not something that happens overnight, but making those connections, especially with moms, is incredibly rewarding,” she said. In 2019, while studying for her MDiv/MACEF from Princeton Theological Seminary, Callie left her long-time career as a CPA and joined Maker’s Place as assistant director. In 2022, she was named executive director.
Diapers are an everyday necessity for families with young children, but they can also represent a significant household expense and are not always covered by traditional assistance programs. A donated package of diapers or wipes can make a meaningful difference for a family that needs a little help. The Maker’s Place Diaper Depot, sponsored by United Methodists of Greater New Jersey, grew out of a community birthday party planned for one-year-olds in the City of Trenton. While the project originally intended to collect 10,000 diapers, they ended up collecting 100,000 diapers! With so many diapers left over, in 2018 Maker’s Place launched what is now their flagship initiative known as the “Diaper Depot.” Today, the “Diaper Depot,” distributes thousands of free diapers each month to families who struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. Last year, The Maker’s Place distributed close to 300,000 diapers - over 23,000 per month - to over 1,800 Trenton moms and caregivers serving 1 in 3 children in Trenton!!!
As a single mother, Callie deeply understands the struggles of many families. “We all have the same challenges,” she stated. Ensuring no one is ever turned away for diapers is a top priority for Crowder and her team. “It takes a lot of prayer to meet the growing demands of the community,” she shared. “But somehow, the diapers always show up. We’re still here, and we’re able to help.”
Maker’s Place is a member of the National Diaper Bank Network. Visit Maker’s Place online to learn how to access or donate diapers!
