The EPIC Center Launches Community Diaper Duty to Support Local Families
No Wet Butts About It. Babies use 8–12 diapers every day, and the EPIC Center is inviting the community to help keep them covered through Community Diaper Duty, a community-wide diaper drive running from July 15 through September 8.
The drive will collect diapers, wipes and Pull-Ups to support families participating in EPIC's parenting education and mentoring programs.
"Diapers are one of the greatest ongoing needs for the families we serve," said Emma Barnes, Executive Director of EPIC Center. "A baby can use more than 3,000 diapers in a year, and for many young parents, that's a significant financial burden."
Unlike food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC, diapers are not covered by government assistance programs, leaving many families to absorb the full cost of this basic necessity. As more parents turn to EPIC for support, the need continues to grow. In 2025 alone, EPIC distributed 1,166 packs of diapers to local families. Parents earn diapers and baby essentials by participating in parenting education, mentoring, and life-skills classes, where they gain practical skills, confidence, and encouragement as they build healthy, thriving families.
"We believe every parent deserves the opportunity to succeed," said Emma Barnes. "When someone donates a pack of diapers, they're doing more than meeting an immediate need, they're investing in parents who are working hard to create a bright future for their children."
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unopened diapers (especially Sizes 4, 5, and 6), Pull-Ups, and baby wipes.
Donations may be dropped off at a Community Partner Location:
The EPIC Center – 304 N Queen St Kinston
Ivy's Home and Garden
Hinson's Printing
HOW II
Truist on Vernon Avenue
Pizza Villa
Financial donations are also welcome and allow EPIC to purchase the diaper sizes and baby essentials families need most. Donations can be made at easternpregnancy.net. For more information, to make a financial donation, or to become a Community Diaper Duty collection partner, contact EPIC Center at 252-523-9516, or visit easternpregnancy.net.
The EPIC Center is a nonprofit organization that supports women and families with offices in Kinston and New Bern. EPIC provides a range of services including free pregnancy tests, free limited ultrasounds, prenatal and parenting classes, and material assistance, all aimed at empowering women to make informed choices and supporting them throughout their journey to motherhood. For more information about the EPIC Center and its services, please visit easternpregnancy.net.
