In a warehouse east of Q2 Stadium in North Austin, boxes of diapers are stacked from floor to ceiling.

Since it was founded in June 2013, the nonprofit organization Austin Diaper Bank has twice relocated to a larger space to accommodate its growth.

The organization provides diapers, wipes and period supplies to families in Central Texas who can’t afford them, said Holly McDaniel, Austin Diaper Bank executive director.

McDaniel became the nonprofit's first full-time employee when she was hired as executive director in 2017. Now, with four full-time employees serving six Central Texas counties, the Austin Diaper Bank provided more than 1.7 million diapers to 30,000 families in 2022, according to its annual impact report.

“There’s a lot of shame involved when you say that you can’t keep your baby clean because as a parent, that’s priority No. 1,” McDaniel said.


Rather than giving supplies directly to families, the nonprofit partners with other nonprofits, medical clinics and local government agencies to make sure the resources get to those who need them. Some of the Austin Diaper Bank’s largest partners include food pantries, the Salvation Army, People’s Community Clinic, the SAFE Alliance and Foundation Communities.

“Typically if you need diapers, you need other services as well,” McDaniel said.

In addition to diapers, the Austin Diaper Bank also distributes period supplies and recently completed a partnership with local businesses, including Wheatsville Food Co-Op and Book People, for period supply drives during Period Poverty Awareness Week from May 22-28.

“51% of the population menstruates, and we know that one in four students specifically go without enough period supplies,” McDaniel said. “It’s something that isn't talked about enough. If women don’t have the supplies they need to live their daily lives, they’re going to miss out.”


McDaniel has also been involved in “advocacy work” at the state Capitol to repeal the sales tax on diapers, baby wipes and menstrual products. She said reducing stigma around menstruation is a big part of what motivates her.

“Having your period is a really good thing. It means that you’re healthy,” McDaniel said.

To support its work, the bank has an annual fundraising event, the Austin Diaper Bank Bash in September. The bank also hosts an annual drive-thru diaper giveaway around Mother’s Day and has volunteer opportunities year-round. The organization also celebrated its 10-year anniversary in mid-May.

The Austin Diaper Bank offers weekly volunteer opportunities for individuals, and groups of six to 10 can book volunteer events ahead via email. More information is available online.


“Every time we get to talk to the parents they’re just so thankful that they can have that support because diapers are expensive,” McDaniel said.

In the bank

In 2022, the Austin Diaper Bank tracked:
  • 30,895 families served
  • 1.7 million diapers donated
  • 23% of families receiving diapers in single-parent households
  • 297,793 period supplies given
  • 27,943 packs of baby wipes donated
  • 3,797 containers of baby formula given
  • 72% of expenses went toward distribution programs
Austin Diaper Bank