News & Events
Durham-based Diaper Bank sees huge surge in requests amid federal government shutdown
A Durham-based nonprofit that distributes hygiene products like diapers for babies has seen an 80% increase this year in requests due to the government shutdown as well as delays for WIC and SNAP benefits. Diaper Bank of North Carolina has provided more than 35 million diapers across the state since its creation in 2013.
The nonprofit’s CEO and founder, Michelle Schaefer, said as the government shutdown continues, it’s starting to impact more people in the working class.
A Durham-based nonprofit that distributes hygiene products like diapers for babies has seen an 80% increase this year in requests due to the government shutdown as well as delays for WIC and SNAP benefits. Diaper Bank of North Carolina has provided more than 35 million diapers across the state since its creation in 2013.
The nonprofit’s CEO and founder, Michelle Schaefer, said as the government shutdown continues, it’s starting to impact more people in the working class.
“We're hearing it from military bases, from TSA workers, we have done some distributions to help fill in the gap during the time,” she said. “But as it extends out, it is impacting the most vulnerable families in North Carolina.”
More than $17 million in grants from The Endowment
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Endowment is awarding eight new grants totaling more than $17 million for initial disbursement in 2025 or 2026.
The grants will be used to expand healthcare access, strengthen youth and family services, provide safe and affordable housing, and preserve historic resources.
With these latest awards, The Endowment’s 2025 grantmaking reaches 167 grants totaling more than $58 million, benefiting New Hanover County.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Endowment is awarding eight new grants totaling more than $17 million for initial disbursement in 2025 or 2026.
The grants will be used to expand healthcare access, strengthen youth and family services, provide safe and affordable housing, and preserve historic resources.
With these latest awards, The Endowment’s 2025 grantmaking reaches 167 grants totaling more than $58 million, benefiting New Hanover County.
“These grants represent partnership in motion,” said Sophie Dagenais, Interim President and CEO of The Endowment. “By investing in health, housing, youth programs, and community resources, we’re strengthening the systems that keep opportunity and resilience within reach for everyone in New Hanover County.”
The full list of grants is as follows:
MedNorth Health Center – $5,000,000 to complete the expansion and renovation of the center, increasing access to care and essential services
Diaper Bank of North Carolina – $447,906 to expand the eHub program and fund a full-time staff member at the Lower Cape Fear Branch
Kids Making It – $900,000 to help support general operations, expand, diversify funding, and launch the Apprentice Campus …
‘Huge impact’: Nonprofit in Charlotte distributes thousands of diapers to families in need
CHARLOTTE — Among the essential items for parents of young children is diapers, but that cost adds up quickly.
According to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, half of families are in need of diapers, but one Charlotte organization is working to change that.
“There’s no assistance for diapers. WIC and food stamps do not cover them, and they cost over $100 a month,” Michelle Schaefer, the founder of Diaper Bank of North Carolina, said. “Families are literally making choices between buying food or buying diapers, and every single time they will choose to feed their children.”
CHARLOTTE — Among the essential items for parents of young children is diapers, but that cost adds up quickly.
According to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, half of families are in need of diapers, but one Charlotte organization is working to change that.
“There’s no assistance for diapers. WIC and food stamps do not cover them, and they cost over $100 a month,” Michelle Schaefer, the founder of Diaper Bank of North Carolina, said. “Families are literally making choices between buying food or buying diapers, and every single time they will choose to feed their children.”
Granville County Community Foundation awards nearly $23K in grants
The Granville County Community Foundation last week awarded a total of $22,740 in grants to nonprofits serving people in Granville County.
The grants were announced at a dinner Oct. 30 at the Granville County Expo Center.
Recipients of 2025 grants include: The National Mary Potter Club, for rehabilitation of the Mary Potter school shop building; the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, for its Granville County hygiene access initiative…
The Granville County Community Foundation last week awarded a total of $22,740 in grants to nonprofits serving people in Granville County.
The grants were announced at a dinner Oct. 30 at the Granville County Expo Center.
Recipients of 2025 grants include: The National Mary Potter Club, for rehabilitation of the Mary Potter school shop building; the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, for its Granville County hygiene access initiative; Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, for the Granville County Childhood Cancer Safety Net; Central Regional Hospital, for the Student Recruitment Project – Year 2; ACIM - Area Congregations in Ministry, for Breakfast on the Go; Oxford United Methodist Church, for its Summer Literacy program; Made4Me, for the Making Abilities Possible project; North Carolina Symphony, for Music Discovery for Granville County pre-schoolers; Legal Aid of North Carolina, for support for Granville County residents in need of civil legal services; The Joel Fund, for the Quarterly Veteran Breakfast; and C&C Innovations of Granville, for the Yes We Can summer program.
PRESS RELEASE- Diaper Bank of North Carolina Hosts Emergency Distribution for Furloughed Federal Workers
Durham, N.C. — October 24, 2025 — The Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) will host a special distribution event to support furloughed federal employees and their families on Wednesday, October 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC). The event will take place in the back parking lot.
Free Diapers, Period Products, Formula, and Adult Incontinence Supplies Available October 29 at Boxyard RTP
Durham, N.C. — October 24, 2025 — The Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) will host a special distribution event to support furloughed federal employees and their families on Wednesday, October 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Boxyard RTP (900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC). The event will take place in the back parking lot.
Federal workers experiencing financial hardship due to the ongoing federal furlough are invited to attend and receive free essential items, including diapers, period products, infant formula, and adult incontinence supplies. Participants must present a valid federal ID to receive assistance.
This community response event is presented in partnership with United Way of the Greater Triangle, Frontier RTP, and Boxyard RTP, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting North Carolina families facing unexpected challenges.
“When paychecks stop, basic needs don’t,” said Michelle Schaefer, Founder and CEO of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. “Federal employees are essential members of our community, and we want them to know they are not alone. This event is about dignity, compassion, and helping families stay healthy during a difficult time.”
Since 2013, the Diaper Bank of North Carolina has distributed more than 34 million diapers and hygiene products across the state, ensuring families have access to the essentials they need to thrive.
For more information about the event or to learn how to support DBNC’s mission, visit www.ncdiaperbank.org or follow @nc_diaperbank on social media.
Event Details:
What: Emergency Distribution for Furloughed Federal Workers
When: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Boxyard RTP (Back Parking Lot), 900 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC
Who: Federal employees with valid federal ID
Provided: Diapers, period products, infant formula, and adult incontinence supplies
UNCW students honor Hurricane Florence anniversary at diaper bank
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — This Sunday marks seven years since Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wilmington.
In honor of the anniversary, NCW students volunteered on Friday for the annual wings up for Wilmington at the diaper bank of North Carolina.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — This Sunday marks seven years since Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wilmington.
In honor of the anniversary, NCW students volunteered on Friday for the annual wings up for Wilmington at the diaper bank of North Carolina.
Students and faculty volunteered their time by packing and organizing diapers for families in need.
Jaime Russell, director of student community engagement at UNCW explained the importance of their volunteering during this time.
“Service matters and that we value community engagement and helping our neighbors so this event really is meant to pass that torch along,” Russell said.
According to the Diaper Bank of North Carolina one in two families experience a diaper need. The organization also provides menstrual products for women. Russell said volunteers also had the opportunity to volunteer at Canines for Service on Friday..
Press Ganey Hosts 14th Annual Community Day
SOUTH BEND, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Press Ganey, a leading provider of experience measurement, data analytics, and insights, held its annual global Community Day on September 10. Each year, employees around the world step away from their daily responsibilities to volunteer with local nonprofits, strengthening the communities where they live and work.
3,500 team members in 33 cities across 11 countries join forces globally to strengthen local communities
SOUTH BEND, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Press Ganey, a leading provider of experience measurement, data analytics, and insights, held its annual global Community Day on September 10. Each year, employees around the world step away from their daily responsibilities to volunteer with local nonprofits, strengthening the communities where they live and work.
An initiative Chairman and CEO Patrick T. Ryan started when he took the helm in 2012, Community Day has represented a $1 million annual pledge in volunteer hours and contributions, underscoring Press Ganey’s long-standing commitment to service. It now inspires team and individual service among Press Ganey’s growing global workforce of approximately 3,500 associates across 11 countries and in 33 cities globally.
Partners for Children & Families receives grant for Essentials Care Pantry
Partners for Children & Families, Inc. is nearing the one-year anniversary of its Essential Care Panty (ECP) and is excited to mark this milestone with a new grant from the Moore County Community Foundation for the ECP.
Partners for Children & Families – which has operated for over 30 years as Moore County’s Smart Start agency and primary nonprofit serving children from birth to age 5 – launched the ECP last October as a part of its Family Resource Center. During its first nine months of operation, the ECP has provided over 100 Moore County families with nearly 12,600 diapers and pullups, about 22,500 wipes, and over 6,000 period-support items free of charge.
Partners for Children & Families, Inc. is nearing the one-year anniversary of its Essential Care Panty (ECP) and is excited to mark this milestone with a new grant from the Moore County Community Foundation for the ECP.
Partners for Children & Families – which has operated for over 30 years as Moore County’s Smart Start agency and primary nonprofit serving children from birth to age 5 – launched the ECP last October as a part of its Family Resource Center. During its first nine months of operation, the ECP has provided over 100 Moore County families with nearly 12,600 diapers and pullups, about 22,500 wipes, and over 6,000 period-support items free of charge.
“We’ve used our initial funding to establish a great support system for families in need,” said Danielle Rose, Partners for Children & Families program manager, in a press release, who has been key to the ECP’s development.
Moore County families can register monthly on Partners for Children & Families’ website to pick up their diapering and period products from the ECP.
“When families are at Partners for Children & Families to pick up their diapers, we can also provide information about parenting coaching, car seat safety and installation, NC Pre-K enrollment, access to materials in our Learning Through Play Lending Library, and other family programs,” said Rose. “The ECP is vital in and of itself, and it also acts as a door to many other support opportunities.”
This recent grant for the ECP was made possible by the John W. Roffe and Marjorie A. Roffe Endowment Fund of the Moore County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. With this funding, Partners for Children & Families is able to work closely with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina to ensure that it is purchasing products for the ECP at the best possible price.
The Pete & Thomas Foundation is thrilled to announce the 30 Hotties Helping Grant recipients!
These incredible nonprofits are making a difference in their communities and have a shared commitment to supporting Education, Health & Wellness, Housing,…
These incredible nonprofits are making a difference in their communities and have a shared commitment to supporting Education, Health & Wellness, Housing, and Community Goodwill.
Onslow Caring Communities Foundations donates over $100k to local nonprofits
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The Onslow Caring Communities Foundation, a philanthropic organization associated with the North Carolina Community Foundation, has distributed $103,920 as part of their annual bid to support the community.
ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — The Onslow Caring Communities Foundation, a philanthropic organization associated with the North Carolina Community Foundation, has distributed $103,920 as part of their annual bid to support the community.
The foundation’s board of advisors selected 25 local nonprofits in Onslow County to receive assistance in their efforts to enrich the community. Funds for the donations came from the foundation’s community grantmaking fund and the Onslow County Youth Fund.
