Diaper bank meets growing need in Holmes County

The Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank was created to address a critical and often overlooked basic need — access to diapers. HODB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing essential hygiene items — diapers, pull-ups, wipes, period supplies and incontinence products — through trusted community partners.

“We serve individuals and families experiencing need by removing barriers to these critical resources,” said Shannon English Hexamer, executive director of HODB.

It is estimated 1-in-2 American families with children experience diaper need, and there are no state or federal child safety-net programs to allow for diaper purchase.

“Families facing financial hardship are frequently forced to choose between diapers and other essentials like food or utilities," Hexamer said.

This resource is available throughout the region through distribution partners. In Holmes County, the Holmes County General Health District partners with HODB. Supplies are available by appointment for those in need, and the community may contribute items to keep supplies stocked.

Appointments are available during business hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit www.holmeshealth.org/diaper-bank/ or call 330-674-5035 to schedule an appointment. Recipients also are asked to fill out an application either online or in person. For those who are not residents of Holmes County, visit www.heartofohiodiaperbank.org/distribution-partners for assistance.

Hexamer explained why access to diapers is a critical health need:

—Not being able to provide a clean diaper when needed can lead to rashes and infections, which, if left untreated, can cause even greater health concerns. Keeping children healthy keeps them out of the health care system.

—Children in dirty diapers cry more, creating stress for the child and the parent alike, leading to emotional and mental health concerns.

—Day care centers require parents to supply their own diapers, and parents who can’t bring their children to day care may not be able to attend work or job training programs, adding to the cycle of poverty.

“Families cannot thrive and contribute to their communities until they have access to basic human necessities such as safe housing, food, medicine and diapers,” Hexamer said. “Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank seeks to help families thrive by supplying this important basic need.”

The HODB expanded to include incontinence and period supplies to ensure no one is left without the essential items for daily living.

“As we grew and listened to our community partners, it became clear that diaper need is part of a broader issue — access to basic hygiene products," Hexamer said. "We expanded to include period supplies and adult incontinence products to support individuals across all stages of life.”

The HER Project is a program of Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank. It focuses specifically on providing period supplies and addressing period poverty, ensuring teenage girls and women have access to the products they need to fully participate in school, work and daily life. The HODB provides period packs (pads and tampons) through community distribution site partners and school districts in 10 counties.

The greatest donation needs right now for HODB are larger-sized diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and pull-ups), period products, menstrual pads and tampons. These items are often the most difficult for families to afford.

HODB is always in need of volunteers to help with sorting, packing and organizing products for distribution.

“Additionally,” Hexamer said, “support with community drives and outreach efforts is incredibly valuable as we continue to expand our reach.”

In-kind support such as warehouse supplies, printing services and event support also is needed.

“One important aspect of our work is the strength of our partnerships,” Hexamer said. “Our network of community distribution partners allows us to reach families where they already feel safe and supported. This collaborative approach is key to our impact. We welcome partnerships of all kinds (and) are always excited to collaborate with those who share our mission.”

Find HODB online at www.heartofohiodiaperbank.org/. Contact the nonprofit through the website contact form, by emailing info@heartofohiodiaperbank.org or by calling 330-488-7558.

“We are seeing increased demand as families continue to face rising costs for housing, food and other essentials,” Hexamer said. “When budgets are tight, hygiene items like diapers and period supplies are often the first things families struggle to afford. This makes our work even more critical as we strive to meet a growing and ongoing need in our community.”

Drop off donations at the front desk of the health district during business hours at 2600 Glenn Drive, Millersburg. Any Holmes County individuals or groups who would like to host a diaper drive are asked to contact the Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank directly at www.heartofohiodiaperbank.org/get-involved.

“This distribution is made possible by the health district’s partnership with the Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank and the HER Project and donations from organizations and individuals throughout Ohio," Mackenzie Bornt of the Holmes County Health District said. "We are grateful for this opportunity to serve the families or young children and adults in Holmes County.”