Depend's Landmark Donation Tackles Bladder Leak Insecurity

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – March 05, 2026 – In a significant move to address a widespread yet often hidden need, Kimberly-Clark's Depend® brand is partnering with the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) to donate 2.1 million pairs of absorbent underwear. The donation, which marks NDBN's 15th anniversary, will be distributed to communities across 11 states, providing essential supplies and a measure of dignity to thousands of Americans.

The Silent Struggle of Incontinence

The scale of this donation reflects the staggering scope of the issue. Bladder leaks, or urinary incontinence, affect an estimated 100 million men and women in the United States, a figure that many experts believe is underreported due to social stigma. While the condition is often associated with aging, it impacts adults of all ages, with some studies indicating that as many as one in four women over 18 experience involuntary leakage.

For those affected, the challenges are not just physical. The financial burden of managing incontinence can be crippling, especially for individuals on fixed or low incomes. Monthly costs for necessary supplies can range from $50 to over $200, an expense not covered by federal assistance programs like SNAP or WIC. This "bladder leak insecurity" forces many to choose between essential hygiene products and other necessities like food or rent.

"Bladder leaks affect 100 million women & men in the U.S., and many people struggle to afford the supplies they need," said Joanne Samuel Goldblum, CEO and founder of the National Diaper Bank Network. "More and more, we are seeing people turning to basic needs banks for help." The inability to afford these products can lead to social isolation, missed work, and a significant decline in an individual's quality of life and mental well-being.

A Partnership for Progress and Dignity

This landmark donation is the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship between the National Diaper Bank Network and brands under the Kimberly-Clark umbrella. NDBN itself was founded in 2011 with the support of Huggies®, another Kimberly-Clark brand, highlighting the corporation's sustained commitment to addressing basic needs.

Kimberly-Clark frames its philanthropic efforts within its broader mission of "Better Care for a Better World." The company has set an ambitious goal to advance the well-being of 1 billion people in underserved communities by 2030 through initiatives focused on health, hygiene, and sanitation. This donation from Depend aligns directly with that corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, leveraging a market-leading brand to tackle a specific public health challenge.

Such large-scale product donations have become a key pillar of modern corporate philanthropy. They represent a strategic alignment where companies can support communities, enhance brand reputation, and manage inventory, all while providing tangible relief through non-profit partners who have the logistical framework to ensure the products reach those most in need.

Beyond Diapers: The Evolving Role of Basic Needs Banks

The destination for these 2.1 million products—15 NDBN-member basic needs banks—underscores the evolution of community support systems in America. What began largely as a movement to end "diaper need" for infants has grown into a comprehensive network addressing a spectrum of material insecurities.

The National Diaper Bank Network has expanded from its initial conception to a robust network of over 300 member organizations across the country. These local banks are on the front lines, witnessing firsthand the diversification of need. Today, many distribute not only baby diapers but also period products and adult incontinence supplies, filling critical gaps left by the traditional social safety net.

The logistics of this specific donation—15 full tractor-trailer trucks dispatched to 11 states—illustrate the operational capacity NDBN has built over its 15-year history. This decentralized model allows for targeted, efficient distribution, ensuring the massive influx of products is managed effectively and channeled directly to the individuals and families who depend on these local community hubs for support.

The growing reliance on these banks for adult hygiene products reflects broader demographic shifts and economic pressures. As the U.S. population ages and the cost of living continues to rise, the demand for affordable access to essential goods like absorbent underwear is only expected to increase. This donation not only provides immediate relief but also shines a light on the expanding and essential role that basic needs banks play in maintaining the health and stability of communities nationwide. This generous donation from Depend will help improve lives of individuals and families in communities across the country.