Ten years ago, three Mooresville mothers—Heather Painter, Jenna Smith, and Betsy Allmond—were gathered in a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group when a simple, yet powerful conversation sparked something big. As they discussed the ever-rising cost of raising young children, diapers became a standout topic. The cost, the frequency, the burden—it all added up. And they began to wonder: What happens when a family can’t afford this basic need?
That single conversation turned into action, and The Mooresville Diaper Project was born.
Now in its tenth year, the project has collected and distributed more than 146,000 diapers to families across the Mooresville area. The mission is beautifully simple: meet a tangible, everyday need by providing diapers and wipes to local families through four community organizations—FeedNC, HOMe (Hope of Mooresville), the Community Pregnancy Center of Lake Norman, and the Christian Mission.
These groups serve as distribution points, quietly and compassionately helping families who are struggling to make ends meet. There’s no government assistance specifically for diapers, and yet, for families with young children, these essentials can cost $75 or more per month, per child. For some, that means choosing between buying diapers or groceries. And when a parent can’t afford enough diapers, a child might spend longer than they should in a soiled one—putting their health at risk.
Although there’s no formal record of how many families are helped each year, the impact is real. One local organization was even able to cut diaper-related expenses from its budget thanks to the drive, redirecting funds to other vital services.
The Mooresville Diaper Project runs entirely on donations, with no paid staff and no overhead costs. Diapers are collected once a year during the annual drive, and residents are encouraged to give in whatever way they can. Whether it’s a full pack of diapers or a few extras from an open box, every donation counts.
This year, the project hopes to collect over 20,000 diapers—and they’re counting on the community to help make it happen.
Donations can be dropped off at Burn Bootcamp, Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Peninsula Baptist Church, and Christ Community Church Mooresville. They also welcome support via their Amazon Wish List and Venmo (@themooresvillediaperproject).
As the project enters its second decade, its message remains clear: when a community comes together—even just once a year—it can meet a basic, urgent need for its most vulnerable members. And it can do it with heart.
