Nashville Diaper Connection is Nashville’s only diaper bank. The mission of this needed nonprofit organization is to ensure that every baby in Nashville has enough diapers to remain clean, dry, and healthy. Nashville Diaper Connection provides diapers to an average of 3,392 babies in need every month.

Founders Doug Adair and Susan Culkin founded Nashville Diaper Connection in 2013. “An important aspect of our mission is helping remove barriers that a lack of diapers creates—barriers to health, education, and employment," Adair said. "Since 2013, we have donated almost 8 million diapers toward our goal of “No Child Wet Behind” in Nashville. Diapers are not covered by any Federal or State safety net program such as food stamps (SNAP) or WIC program. The diaper bank provides emergency and supplemental supplies of infant/toddler diapers for our most vulnerable neighbors. Meeting this critical need pays off. Babies living in healthier, lower-stress environments are more likely to be happier, more successful citizens of Nashville when they are adolescents, teens, and adults. Providing diapers for babies that need them is our sole focus.”

More and more families experience diaper needs every day. Without diapers, babies cannot go to childcare or participate in early childhood education. Without much-needed childcare, many parents cannot go to work or school. This can lead to high tension in the home, less nurturing, and possible abuse. An uncomfortable baby cries more which can lead to mistreatment and neglect. We want to ensure that every baby in Nashville has enough diapers to remain clean, dry, and healthy. 

Diapers are collected and distributed through community partners. If struggling families need diapers, they often have other needs as well, which can be addressed through our many partners. Nashville Diaper Connection is a growing community of support agencies. Volunteers are essential at NashDiaper. Volunteers are needed to repackage or ‘wrap” the diapers that are distributed. Volunteer sessions are fun for individuals, team-building events and church/school groups. Volunteer opportunities can be found at the Nashville Diaper Connection website in the Volunteer section of the “Get Involved” tab. 

Belle Meade Highlands resident, Mike McAlister, is one of the volunteers who got involved after speaking to founder Doug Adair at a Hillsboro High School fundraiser, where he shared the NDC story. 

“I initially delivered diapers in my car to partner agencies Martha O’Bryant, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, and JC Napier School, among others," McAlister said. "I organized and led wrapping groups and included friends and my mother, Mary Sue, who at that time was 96 years old. She also enjoyed riding with me while I was making deliveries. She volunteered at NDC until she was 100 years old. My mother passed away in 2019, and now the wrapping room at NDC is named in memory of Mary Sue McAlister. I now co-lead a diaper wrap every Monday. Our team will wrap and box between 10,000 and 15,000 diapers for distribution to our partners. I fill gaps where needed, and last week I delivered a route to four cities in middle Tenn. NDC fills a need that too often goes unmet, and I am proud to be a part of helping mothers improve the health of their babies.”

Nashville Diaper Connection annual fundraising event has not been held in the last two years due to COVID-19. However, donations are greatly appreciated by visiting the website using the Donate button. NashDiaper participates in the CFMT Big Payback in May. NashDiaper also holds an annual “Virtual Diaper Drive” each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This year-end drive is an important way they help fund their mission. 

Stroll Belle Meade is so pleased to spotlight Nashville Diaper Connection along with founder Doug Adair, and our special Belle Meade Highlands resident Mike McAlister. They truly are Making A Difference.