Diapers are one of the most essential yet expensive everyday necessities for families with babies and individuals who rely on adult incontinence products. If you’ve recently potty-trained your child, received the wrong diaper size at a baby shower, or have unopened adult diapers you no longer need, you may be wondering where to donate diapers so they can benefit someone in need.
Unlike clothing or household goods, diapers are personal hygiene products, which means not every donation center accepts them. Knowing where your donation will have the greatest impact helps ensure these much-needed supplies reach families, caregivers, and seniors who depend on them.
This guide explains where you can donate diapers, and what to do if you have opened packages or adult incontinence supplies. Whether you’re decluttering your home or following a charitable donation guide, donating diapers is a simple way to support your local community.
Quick Answer: Where to Donate Diapers
If you’re looking for where to donate diapers, the best places include local diaper banks, pregnancy resource centers, family shelters, food pantries, churches, homeless shelters, and nonprofit organizations that support children and families. Most organizations accept unopened diaper packages, while policies for opened packages vary. Although some Goodwill locations accept unopened diapers, specialized organizations such as diaper banks are usually the better option because they distribute donations directly to families in need.
Why Donating Diapers Matters
Many people are surprised to learn that diapers are not covered by most federal nutrition assistance programs. As a result, parents often have to purchase diapers entirely out of pocket, even when they’re already struggling with the cost of food, housing, childcare, and healthcare.
Babies typically need six to ten diapers every day during their first year, making diapers one of the largest recurring expenses for families. Larger diaper sizes and training pants remain in demand for even longer, which is why many diaper banks report shortages throughout the year.
The need extends beyond infants. Older adults and individuals living with disabilities often rely on adult diapers and incontinence products, which can also be costly.
By donating unopened diapers, you’re helping provide dignity, comfort, and financial relief to families and individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Best Places to Donate Diapers
If you’re asking where can you donate diapers, these organizations are among the most reliable options in the United States.
1. Local Diaper Banks
Local diaper banks are one of the best places to donate diapers because they specialize in collecting and distributing diaper donations to families experiencing diaper insecurity.
Unlike general thrift stores, diaper banks work directly with community partners such as schools, food pantries, health clinics, and nonprofit organizations to ensure donations reach those who need them most.
Many diaper banks accept:
- Baby diapers in all sizes
- Pull-ups
- Training pants
- Baby wipes
- Adult incontinence supplies
- Disposable underpads
Before donating, check whether your local diaper bank has a wish list of the most-needed diaper sizes.
2. Family Shelters
Emergency family shelters provide temporary housing for parents and children who may have left home unexpectedly or are experiencing homelessness.
Diapers are one of the most requested supplies because many families arrive with very few belongings. Along with diapers, shelters often accept baby wipes, formula, blankets, and infant clothing.
If you’re also donating food, our guide on how to donate to food banks explains how food donations help families alongside essential baby supplies.
3. Pregnancy Resource Centers
Pregnancy resource centers support expecting parents and families with newborns by providing education, parenting resources, and baby essentials.
These organizations often welcome donations of:
- New diapers
- Pull-ups
- Baby wipes
- Baby clothing
- Formula
- Baby blankets
If your child has recently outgrown a diaper size, donating unopened packages here can directly benefit another family preparing for a new baby.
4. Food Pantries
Although food pantries primarily distribute groceries, many also provide diapers and other household essentials that families cannot purchase with food assistance benefits.
Some food pantries maintain dedicated baby care shelves stocked with diapers, wipes, formula, and hygiene products.
If you’re preparing a donation box, consider including both diapers and shelf-stable groceries. Our article on what foods to donate to food banks highlights the items that food pantries need most throughout the year.
5. Churches and Community Outreach Programs
Many churches organize seasonal diaper drives or support local outreach ministries that provide emergency assistance to families.
Even if a church doesn’t distribute diapers directly, it may partner with a diaper bank, pregnancy center, or shelter in your community.
Community organizations are particularly active during:
- Holiday donation drives
- Community baby showers
- Back-to-school outreach events
- Emergency relief efforts
6. Homeless Shelters
Families staying in homeless shelters often struggle to afford basic hygiene products. Donating diapers helps relieve one of their most immediate financial burdens and allows parents to focus on finding stable housing.
Many shelters also appreciate donations of:
- Baby wipes
- Formula
- Children’s toiletries
- New baby clothing
- Blankets
Always contact the shelter beforehand to confirm its current donation policies.
7. Nursing Homes and Senior Centers
Diaper donations aren’t limited to babies. Many nursing homes, assisted living communities, and senior centers welcome unopened adult diapers and other incontinence products.
These supplies are often expensive, and donations can improve comfort and dignity for older adults with limited financial resources.
Where to Donate Unused Diapers
Many parents ask where to donate unused diapers after their baby moves up to the next size.
The good news is that unopened diapers are accepted by many organizations, including:
- Local diaper banks
- Pregnancy resource centers
- Family shelters
- Women’s shelters
- Community nonprofits
- Churches
- Food pantries
Keeping the diapers in their original sealed packaging helps ensure they meet hygiene and safety standards.
If you’re cleaning out your home and donating multiple items, you may also find our guide on where can I donate furniture helpful for responsibly donating larger household items.
Can You Donate Diapers to Goodwill?
One of the most frequently searched questions is can you donate diapers to Goodwill.
The answer is sometimes.
Some Goodwill stores accept new, unopened packages of diapers, while others do not. Because diapers are classified as personal hygiene products, acceptance policies vary by location and are often influenced by local health regulations.
Before visiting a Goodwill donation center:
- Call your local store.
- Confirm whether unopened diaper packages are accepted.
- Ask about any brand or packaging restrictions.
If Goodwill cannot accept your donation, consider taking it directly to a diaper bank or family shelter, where the diapers can be distributed immediately to families who need them most.
Can You Donate Open Diapers?
Another common question is can you donate open diapers. The answer depends on the organization’s donation policy.
Most charities and nonprofit organizations prefer factory-sealed packages to maintain hygiene and safety standards. Since diapers are considered personal care products, many organizations cannot distribute loose or partially used packages.
However, some local charities, neighborhood groups, and community organizations may accept opened packages if:
- The diapers are clean and completely unused.
- Only a few diapers have been removed.
- The packaging is still in good condition.
- The diapers have been stored in a clean, smoke-free environment.
Before dropping off an opened package, contact the organization to confirm whether they can accept it.
If your local charity cannot accept opened diapers, consider sharing them through community platforms such as neighborhood groups, parenting communities, or Buy Nothing groups. This helps prevent waste while ensuring another family can use them.
Where to Donate Cloth Diapers
Families who use reusable diapers often ask where they can donate them after their children outgrow them.
Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers can often be reused for several years when properly cleaned and cared for.
Organizations that may accept cloth diapers include:
- Cloth diaper nonprofits
- Parenting support organizations
- Community baby closets
- Women’s shelters
- Family resource centers
Before donating cloth diapers:
- Wash and sanitize them thoroughly.
- Check that elastic and fasteners are in good condition.
- Include inserts or accessories if available.
- Package them clean and dry.
Because donation policies vary, always contact the organization before donating.
Where to Donate Adult Diapers
Diaper donations aren’t just for babies. Adult incontinence supplies are also in high demand across the United States.
If you have unopened adult diapers or protective underwear, consider donating them to:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living communities
- Senior centers
- Veterans organizations
- Disability support nonprofits
- Homeless shelters
- Community medical assistance programs
Most facilities only accept unopened packages for hygiene reasons, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm their current needs.
Tips Before Donating Diapers
Following a few simple steps can help ensure your donation is accepted and reaches people who need it most.
Check the Packaging
Most organizations only accept unopened diapers in their original packaging. Inspect the package to ensure it is clean, sealed, and undamaged.
Call Ahead
Donation policies vary by organization. A quick phone call can help you confirm:
- Accepted diaper sizes
- Donation hours
- Current needs
- Packaging requirements
Donate High-Demand Sizes
While newborn diapers are always appreciated, many diaper banks report the greatest demand for:
- Size 3
- Size 4
- Size 5
- Size 6
- Pull-ups
- Training pants
These sizes are used for longer periods, making them especially valuable for families.
Donate Other Baby Essentials
If you’re donating diapers, consider including other baby necessities such as:
- Baby wipes
- Baby wash
- Diaper cream
- Baby lotion
- Formula (unopened and within its expiration date)
Combining multiple essentials can provide greater support to families.
Are Diaper Donations Tax Deductible?
If you donate unopened diapers to a qualified nonprofit organization recognized as a 501(c)(3), your donation may qualify as a charitable tax deduction.
Before claiming a deduction:
- Request a donation receipt.
- Keep a record of the donated items.
- Consult a tax professional if you have questions about eligibility.
To better understand nonprofit organizations, read our guide on What Is a 501(c)(3) Organization
You can also learn how to document your charitable contributions in our article on How to Get a Donation Receipt for Taxes in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you donate diapers?
You can donate diapers to local diaper banks, pregnancy resource centers, family shelters, homeless shelters, churches, food pantries, and nonprofit organizations that distribute baby essentials to families in need.
Where to donate unused diapers?
Unused diapers are best donated to diaper banks, shelters, pregnancy centers, and community organizations. Most organizations prefer unopened packages in their original packaging.
Can you donate diapers to Goodwill?
Some Goodwill stores accept unopened diaper packages, but policies vary by location. It’s best to contact your local store before donating. If Goodwill doesn’t accept diapers, a diaper bank or shelter is often a better alternative.
Can you donate open diapers?
Some community organizations may accept opened packages if the diapers are clean and unused, but many charities only accept factory-sealed packages. Always call ahead to verify their policy.
Can hospitals accept diaper donations?
Some hospitals and neonatal support programs accept new diaper donations for families experiencing financial hardship. Contact your local hospital’s volunteer services department to learn about donation opportunities.
Can adult diapers be donated?
Yes. Unopened adult diapers are commonly accepted by nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans’ organizations, disability nonprofits, and homeless shelters.
What diaper sizes are needed most?
Most diaper banks report strong demand for Sizes 4, 5, and 6, as well as pull-ups and training pants. Larger sizes are typically needed for longer periods than newborn diapers.
Can you donate baby wipes with diapers?
Yes. Baby wipes are frequently requested alongside diapers, making them an excellent item to include with your donation.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where to donate diapers helps ensure your donation reaches families, caregivers, and seniors who truly need support. While some Goodwill stores may accept unopened diaper packages, organizations such as local diaper banks, pregnancy resource centers, family shelters, and community nonprofits are often the most effective places to donate.
If you’re wondering where to donate unused diapers, keeping them sealed and in their original packaging gives your donation the best chance of being accepted. If you have opened packages, remember that policies vary, so it’s always worth contacting the organization before making the trip.
Whether you’re donating baby diapers, cloth diapers, or adult incontinence supplies, your contribution can ease financial burdens and provide essential hygiene products to people in your community.