I remember the day I opened my closet and spotted a half-used pack of diapers on the shelf. My baby had outgrown them overnight (as babies love to do!), and now, they were just sitting there. I didn’t want to toss them, but I wasn’t sure where to take them. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Every year, millions of diapers go unused while families struggle to afford them. Donating unused diapers isn’t just thoughtful—it’s a real lifeline for parents in need. Plus, it keeps perfectly good diapers out of landfills.
So, where can you donate unused diapers? The good news is there are plenty of options! From diaper banks and shelters to local charities and even some Goodwill locations, I’ll walk you through the best places to donate, how to do it, and what to know before dropping them off.
Let’s make sure those diapers go to families who truly need them!
Babies grow fast. One day, a diaper fits perfectly. The next, it’s too small. If you’re like me, you’ve probably ended up with extra diapers just sitting around. But instead of letting them go to waste, why not donate them?
Many families struggle to afford diapers. These are not covered by government assistance, making them hard to get for those in need. A lack of diapers means parents have to stretch supplies, sometimes leaving babies in wet diapers for too long. That’s heartbreaking. By donating, you’re giving parents relief and babies comfort.
It’s not just about helping families. It also helps the environment. Diapers take years to break down in landfills. Donating keeps them out of the trash and puts them to good use.
Your extra diapers may seem small, but to another family, they mean the world. So if you have extras, pass them on. A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference!
Where is the best place to donate diapers to?
Here are 10 great places—both local and national—where you can donate unused diapers.
1. National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN)
🌍 Best for: Nationwide donations
🔗 Website: nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org
📍 Why donate here?
The National Diaper Bank Network partners with over 200 local diaper banks across the U.S. Use their online locator to find a diaper bank near you and donate in person.
2. Baby2Baby
🌍 Best for: Helping low-income children
🔗 Website: baby2baby.org
📍 Why donate here?
Baby2Baby provides diapers and baby essentials to children living in poverty. They accept new, unopened diapers and distribute them to families through shelters, hospitals, and social services.
3. Local Diaper Banks
🌍 Best for: Supporting your community
📍 How to donate:
Many cities have diaper banks that collect and give diapers to families in need. Check with local non-profits or social service agencies. You can also use the NDBN locator to find one near you.
4. Women’s Shelters & Domestic Violence Centers
🌍 Best for: Supporting women and children in crisis
📍 Why donate here?
Women’s shelters help survivors of domestic violence who may have fled with nothing. Diapers, wipes, and baby supplies are always in high demand. Call ahead to see what your local shelter needs.
5. Churches & Faith-Based Organizations
🌍 Best for: Community-based giving
📍 Why donate here?
Many churches, mosques, and synagogues run diaper drives or have donation programs for families in need. Reach out to local faith groups to see where you can contribute.
6. Food Pantries & Community Centers
🌍 Best for: Helping families facing food insecurity
📍 How to donate:
Diapers are not covered by food assistance programs, so food pantries often accept them to help struggling families. Contact a local food bank or community center to see if they accept diaper donations.
7. Pregnancy Resource Centers
🌍 Best for: Expecting and new moms in need
📍 Why donate here?
These centers support pregnant women and new mothers with baby essentials. Diapers, formula, and wipes are always in demand. Search for a pregnancy resource center in your area to donate.
8. Goodwill (Check Your Location First)
🌍 Best for: Donating to thrift stores that support job training
📍 Important note:
Not all Goodwill locations accept diapers. Call ahead to confirm before dropping them off. If your local store does not accept them, consider other donation options on this list.
9. Salvation Army Family Stores
🌍 Best for: Nationwide donations to help struggling families
🔗 Website: salvationarmyusa.org
📍 Why donate here?
The Salvation Army supports families in need and often accepts baby supplies, including diapers. Check with your local branch to see if they are taking donations.
10. Homeless Shelters & Family Crisis Centers
🌍 Best for: Helping homeless families
📍 Why donate here?
Many homeless shelters serve families with young children who desperately need diapers. Contact shelters in your area to see if they can accept your donation.
Can You Donate Diapers to Goodwill? Here’s What to Know
If you’re wondering, “Can I donate diapers to Goodwill?”, you’re not alone. Many people think Goodwill takes all baby items.
But, Goodwill doesn’t accept diapers at most locations. Some may make exceptions.
Since rules are different at each place, it’s best to call your local Goodwill and ask before donating.
Why Doesn’t Goodwill Take Diapers?
Most Goodwill stores don’t take diapers, even if they are brand new. Here’s why:
- Hygiene Concerns – Diapers are personal items. Donation centers must follow strict health rules.
- Safety Issues – Opened or damaged packs could be unsafe. This makes it hard for Goodwill to sell or give them away.
- Focus on Resale – Goodwill’s goal is job training. It does not provide direct help to families in need.
Can you donate diapers to Goodwill in California?
If you live in California, you may wonder if you can donate diapers to Goodwill. The answer is mostly no.
Goodwill’s diaper rules are the same everywhere.
But some Goodwill stores in California may take diapers. It’s best to call ahead to check.
Donating Diapers in California: Local Places That Accept Diapers
Even if Goodwill doesn’t take your diapers, California has other places that will. Here are a few to try:
- Help a Mother Out – This California nonprofit gives diapers to families in need. They take donations and have drop-off spots.
- California Diaper Bank – This diaper bank helps families in California. They accept donations and welcome support.
- Local Shelters – Many women’s shelters and food banks in California will take diapers. Call ahead to ask if they need them. For local shelters, you can search for specific shelters in your area. You can also contact your nearest food bank.
Before donating, always check their rules. Some may only take sealed packs.
How to Donate Diapers (Step-by-Step Guide)
Before donating your unused diapers, here are a few simple steps to follow:
- Check the Condition:
Make sure the diapers are new and unopened. If the pack is opened, some organizations may not accept them.
2. Check for Expiry:
Look for the expiration date. Although diapers don’t technically expire, some organizations prefer donations that are as fresh as possible.
3. Group Similar Sizes Together:
If you have diapers in different sizes, it can help to group them by size. This makes it easier for the organization to sort them.
4. Secure the Pack:
If you have partially opened packs, consider securing the diapers with rubber bands or tape to ensure they stay intact during transport.
5. Find a Local Donation Center
Look for nearby places that accept diaper donations. Here are some resources to get started:
- Help a Mother Out
- California Diaper Bank
- Local food banks, shelters, and churches may also accept diaper donations.
6. Contact the Organization:
Always call ahead or check the website of the organization you plan to donate to. Confirm their rules for accepting donations and whether they require diapers to be sealed or in specific packaging.
7. Check Donation Guidelines
Before donating, check the donation center’s guidelines. Some organizations only accept unopened packs of diapers, while others may take opened packs. Always ask about their specific needs before dropping off your donation.
8. Drop Off or Arrange Pickup
Many local centers will accept your donation in person. Some organizations offer pickup services for large donations, especially in urban areas. Call to ask about their pickup options and schedule a time that works for you.
9. Consider Mailing Donations
If you can’t find a local drop-off, some national charities accept mailed donations. Check the websites of larger organizations like Baby2Baby or National Diaper Bank Network for mailing information. By following these simple steps, you help make the donation process easier for everyone involved!
10. Spread the Word
Once you’ve donated, consider sharing your experience on social media. Encourage friends and family to donate as well. The more people who know, the more diapers can reach families in need.
FAQs about Donating Diapers
If you want to donate diapers, you may have some questions. Here are simple answers to the most common ones.
Can I donate opened packs of diapers?
Some donation centers accept opened packs. But others do not. Always check with the organization first. They may have specific guidelines.
What if I have adult diapers?
Yes, many organizations accept adult diapers. Check with your local charity. Some accept both baby and adult diapers.
Are diaper donations tax-deductible?
Yes, they can be. Many charities provide receipts for donations. You can use these receipts for tax purposes. Ask for a receipt to claim your donation.
Can I donate cloth diapers?
Yes, some organizations accept cloth diapers. They may reuse them. Call ahead to confirm if your donation center accepts cloth diapers.
How to Donate Baby Clothes?
You can donate baby clothes to shelters or charities. Make sure the clothes are clean and gently used. Call ahead to check what they need. Check their website to confirm their guidelines for donations.
Where to Donate Formula?
If you have extra baby formula, you can donate it to many places that help families in need. Local food banks, shelters, and pregnancy centers are great options. Make sure the formula is unopened and still in date. Call ahead to check if they need it and ask about their donation rules. Donating formula is a kind way to help new moms who may struggle to afford it.
Where Can I Donate Unused Diapers?: My Final Thoughts
Donating unused diapers is an easy way to help families in need. Whether you give to a local shelter or a big charity, your donation matters.
Check the donation rules first. Some places only accept certain types of diapers. You can also help by spreading the word. Encourage others to donate too!
Ready to donate? Find a center near you or check out national groups.
Have you donated diapers? Share your story in the comments. Together, we can help more families. ❤️
Make a Difference Today: Donate Diapers and Help Families in Need.
