The Central Arkansas Diaper Bank was created in 2019 to serve Little Rock families with diaper needs — a need that affects 1 in 3 families in central Arkansas. In the wake of widespread unemployment and recent severe storms, we checked in with Allyson Gattin, the organization’s co-founder and chair, to find out how families who need diapers can get them and how families who want to help can get involved. 

LRF: Tell us a little about the Central Arkansas Diaper Bank.

AG: The Central Arkansas Diaper Bank is a free community resource for anyone residing in central Arkansas who is in need of diapers. Since we opened, we have served more than 150 children and given out nearly 11,500 diapers. When donations allow, we also give out additional items, including car seats, formula, clothes and wipes. 

LRF: How can parents who need diapers get the supplies they need from the Central Arkansas Diaper Bank?

AG: The Diaper Bank is open the first Wednesday of each month at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock. That day, we are open for pickups from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Families do not need to call ahead. Under normal circumstances, visitors are asked to fill out a short form, but no documents are required on the first visit. On the second visit, visitors are asked to bring the child’s birth certificate to verify age, a copy is also fine. The birth certificate will be immediately returned to the visitor.

In light of coronavirus, our operations have shifted a bit. We are currently open from 8 - 10 a.m. and operating as a drive-thru to ensure proper social distancing. During this time, new families are asked to email phumcdiaperbank@gmail.com for an application that can be completed and returned prior to distribution. They will be asked to send a copy of their child’s birth certificate along with their paperwork. This allows for minimized contact in order to decrease possible virus spread.  

LRF: Has your team noticed more need in the community due to the pandemic?

AG: In light of the global coronavirus pandemic, we are certainly seeing new families turning to us for diapers. Due to unprecedented unemployment numbers, many people are finding themselves out of work or with drastically reduced hours, and their ability to provide diapers for their children is being negatively impacted. 

In addition to coronavirus, the recent storms that swept through Arkansas have caused us to see new needs. We recently had a social worker from a local hospital system reach out to the Diaper Bank because a mom was going into labor and her home had been hit by the tornados and she’d lost all of her baby supplies. 

LRF: How can Little Rock families help support the Central Arkansas Diaper Bank? 

AG: As an all-volunteer, donation-based organization, the support of the community is critical in ensuring our ability to serve the central Arkansas community. Donations — both financial and supplies — help us fulfill the needs of families on a monthly basis. 100% of financial donations to the Central Arkansas Diaper Bank are used for the direct purchase of diapers. Any operational costs are funded by Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

Donations of diapers and pull-ups are accepted in any size and quantity. Open packages of diapers are also accepted. Diapers can be dropped off at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church main desk Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can also purchase diapers from an online retailer such as Amazon or Walmart and have them mailed directly to the church at 4823 Woodlawn Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205. Monetary donations may be made online at www.phumc.com/diaperbank.