Our Story
Lakes Region Diaper Exchange was founded by a local mom who knew our community could do more. Diapers are a basic need — but they aren’t covered by assistance programs. That means many families are forced to choose between diapers and other essentials. No parent should have to make that choice. What started as one mother’s idea quickly became a community movement. Neighbors stepped up. Donations poured in. Partnerships formed. Because in the Lakes Region, we take care of our own. Our mission is simple: support families and protect the health and dignity of our smallest residents. This isn’t just about diapers. It’s about compassion. It’s about community. It’s about showing families they are not alone. And we’re just getting started.
Our Mission
To provide essential diapers and supplies to families in need throughout the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, protecting the health, dignity, and well-being of our smallest residents while supporting parents in their caregiving journey.
Our Vision
A Lakes Region where every child has access to clean diapers, every parent has peace of mind, and our community stands together to ensure no family faces hardship alone.
Understanding Diaper Need
Diaper need — the lack of enough diapers to keep a child clean, dry, and healthy — affects 1 in 3 American families. Yet diapers are not covered by SNAP or WIC, leaving many parents to stretch already limited budgets.
For families in the Lakes Region and across New Hampshire, this often means making impossible choices.
- Diapers cost $70–$100+ per month per child
- Most childcare centers require parents to supply diapers
- Without diapers, parents may lose access to childcare — and work
- Children left in wet or soiled diapers face increased risks of rashes, infections, and long-term health issues
- Parents experiencing diaper need report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
Diaper need is not just about supplies.
It impacts employment, mental health, child development, and family stability.
When we provide diapers, we are doing more than meeting a basic need — we are protecting dignity, supporting working parents, and strengthening our community's smallest residents.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do at Lakes Region Diaper Exchange.
Dignity
Every family deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their circumstances.
Community
We believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors build a stronger region.
Compassion
We approach every interaction with empathy and understanding.
Action
We don't just talk about change — we make it happen, one diaper at a time.
About the Founder
The heart behind Lakes Region Diaper Exchange.
Katelyn Doherty
Founder & Board Chair
Lakes Region Diaper Exchange was founded by Katelyn Doherty, a local mom of three with a big heart for families, children, and community.
Katelyn has always believed in showing up for others during hard seasons. In 2019, she helped organize Ballin' 4 Big Bob Tournament for Hope, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held at Laconia High School in support of her husband's father, Bob Dassatti, while he was fighting colon cancer. Bob was well known in the Laconia community for his dedication to local youth, including his years of involvement with youth basketball, coaching, and community service.
The tournament brought together family, friends, local businesses, players, and community members — and went on to raise $25,000. That experience showed Katelyn that people are often willing to help — they just need a way to do it.
As a mother, Katelyn knows firsthand how quickly the cost of raising children adds up, and how stressful it can feel when basic needs like diapers, wipes, and baby essentials become hard to afford. She believes no parent should feel ashamed for needing support, and no child should go without the essentials they need to be clean, healthy, and cared for.
Outside of running Lakes Region Diaper Exchange, Katelyn loves spending time with her family, baking, reading, and playing with her children. She is also an animal lover who believes deeply in kindness, compassion, and helping in whatever way you can.
"Katelyn's hope is that every family who reaches out to Lakes Region Diaper Exchange feels seen, respected, and supported — whether they need help once, every now and then, or during a difficult season."
Lakes Region Diaper Exchange was built on the belief that it truly does take a village — and when a community comes together, even the smallest residents are better cared for.
Our Board of Directors
Dedicated community members volunteering their time and expertise to serve Lakes Region families.
Katelyn Doherty
Founder & Board Chair
Leading our mission to ensure every family in the Lakes Region has access to the essentials their children need.
Karissa Avery
Treasurer
Emily Tagget
Secretary
Katie Mayo
Member at Large
Hope McLelland
Member at Large