The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank Supports Families with Essential Supplies

Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPADB) was founded in 2012 by Rev. Phillip Battle and his wife, Cathy Battle, while they were serving as pastor and First Lady of New Light Temple Baptist Church in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. They saw that many of their fellow residents were in need of diapers and decided to help fill that void. In the past 13 years, the organization has grown and now provides not only diapers but also period and incontinence supplies to over 16,000 families in Western Pennsylvania. North Hills Monthly spoke with David Fisher, marketing lead at WPADB, about how the organization came to fruition and how their work supports the community.

North Hills Monthly (NHM): Describe The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank and its core mission.

David Fisher (Fisher): The Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPADB) was founded with the mission of ensuring that babies in need are clean, healthy, and dry. Now in its second decade of service, the Diaper Bank has evolved to better support caregivers and family members of all ages—not only addressing diaper need but also period poverty and incontinence.

Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

NHM: What inspired the founding of the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank?

Fisher: The inspiration came during the Battles’ time at a church in Toledo, Ohio. When asked what support families most needed but often lacked, the overwhelming response was “diapers.” Rev. Battle began researching diaper need and was moved by the lack of support available. Though his first attempt to start a diaper bank in Ohio didn’t come to fruition, the need stuck with him. Once he and Cathy were called to Pittsburgh, they acted on that vision and officially launched WPADB with the support of their congregation and family.

NHM: What services and supplies do you provide?

Fisher: We provide diapers in a full range of sizes—from newborn to size 7—as well as training pants, cloth diapers, and wipes. We also distribute period products and incontinence supplies. In addition, we hold educational classes, such as cloth diaper education and our Period Advocacy Project, which includes interactive sessions using documentaries, art, poetry, and games to break down stigma and raise awareness around period poverty. Programs like these help relieve the stress and anxiety associated with the inability to access essential hygiene products. 

NHM: How can people receive supplies?

Fisher: Families can receive supplies through our network of 70 community partners. We do require proof of income or government assistance to ensure we are reaching those in the most need. These partnerships help us distribute items more widely and connect families to other vital resources.

Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

NHM: What is your Period Advocacy Project all about?

Fisher: Launched in 2018, the Period Advocacy Project aims to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma around menstruation while addressing the lack of access to period products. The program includes educational sessions where participants engage with documentaries, create art and poetry, and play interactive games—all while receiving free menstrual supplies. We started this initiative because period products are not covered by any government assistance programs, which leaves many people in need without access to basic hygiene.

NHM: How many families do you serve annually, and how has that number changed over the years?

Fisher: We currently serve over 16,000 families each year—a significant increase from our early days, when we supported just a few families through church donations. Our growth has been driven by both increasing need and the generous support of donors, volunteers, and community partners.

NHM: What impact have you seen in the community as a result of your efforts?

Fisher: The impact has been profound. Not only do we help relieve a major financial burden for low-income families, but we also help reduce health risks associated with diaper need and period poverty. Families express tremendous gratitude, and our partners frequently share stories of how access to these basic supplies has helped restore dignity, reduce stress, and even support children’s attendance in daycare and school, thanks to the availability of menstrual hygiene products.

NHM: What are the biggest challenges your organization faces?

Fisher: One of our biggest challenges is funding. With the 2025 federal budget cuts, we have become even more reliant on the generosity of state support, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors to sustain and expand our programs. Another major challenge is awareness—many people don’t realize that we are the only diaper bank serving the Western Pennsylvania region, or that basic needs like diapers and period products are not covered by government assistance.

NHM: How can the community help your organization?

Fisher: There are many meaningful ways to support our mission! Volunteering your time at one of our distribution events or warehouse sessions makes a direct impact. Hosting diaper drives or fundraisers is another great way to get involved—whether as an individual, school, business, or faith group. And of course, financial donations allow us to expand our reach and keep up with growing demand.

NHM: What do you hope to achieve as an organization in the next five years?

Fisher: Over the next five years, we hope to expand our services to reach more counties across Western Pennsylvania. We also aim to deepen our advocacy work to elevate awareness of diaper need and period poverty while pushing for systemic change that recognizes these as essential health and dignity issues. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no family in our region has to choose between hygiene and other basic needs.