After Hurricane Helene, it became clear for many in our region how important access to diapers, baby wipes and infant formula is to keep babies fed, clean, dry and healthy. For Drew Reisinger, who has served as the elected Register of Deeds since 2012, finding creative ways to support Buncombe residents’ basic needs became a priority.
The Buncombe County Register of Deeds is proud to partner with Babies Need Bottoms, an Asheville-based diaper bank serving Western North Carolina. This collaboration will expand access to basic care essentials in our community, through the distribution of diapers, wipes and formula.
When parents and relatives come to purchase their child’s birth certificate at the Register of Deeds (205 College St.), they can pick up diapers, formula, and other infant care supplies they need.
National research found that nearly 1 in 2 families experience diaper need. “Many people are shocked to learn public assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) and WIC cannot be used to purchase diapers” said Alicia Heacock, Co-Executive Director for Babies Need Bottoms. Diaper banks, like Babies Need Bottoms, are the grassroots community response to this gap in the social safety net.
"Babies need diapers to be clean, dry and healthy. And parents need diapers so they can send their children to childcare and work. Diapers are a necessity for families." shared Meagan Lyon Leimena, Co-Executive Director for Babies Need Bottoms.
Families who are seeking diaper assistance can visit www.nc211.org or call 1-888-892-1162 to be connected to other social service agencies. Community members can learn more or donate to support this work by visiting www.babiesneedbottoms.org.
As the cost of goods increases, it’s harder for families to afford diapers and hygiene supplies. Meeting basic needs for all residents is important to the success and stability of families in Buncombe County; we hope this partnership will remove barriers so that families with young children have what they need to thrive.
Contact info for press questions:
Drew Reisinger, drew.reisinger@buncombecounty.org, 828-250-4315
Meagan Lyon Leimena, meagan@babiesneedbottoms.org