Children's Council of Watauga County is a nonprofit organization in Boone, NC, dedicated to supporting children ages 0-5 and their families through a range of essential services. The organization operates a free Diaper Bank that provides two packs of diapers per child and one pack of wipes per family each month, available to all Watauga County residents regardless of income. It also maintains a Lending Library offering age-appropriate developmental toys, themed book sets, activity kits, and educational resources for families, educators, and caregivers to check out at no cost. Services are designed to promote early literacy, child development, and family wellbeing, with programs administered under the Smart Start and NC Pre-K initiatives.
The Children’s Council was founded in 1977 by a group of community volunteers responding to unmet needs among local children. Over the decades, it has grown into a comprehensive network of over 20 programs, including the Diaper Bank and Lending Library, all rooted in the mission to strengthen families and the early childhood system. The organization relies entirely on community donations to sustain its services, with contributions funding diapers, books, educational kits, and support for parenting groups and early education scholarships. It actively engages the public through donation drives, sponsorships, and a public wish list for essential supplies.
The organization is located on Birch Street in Boone, NC, within the city’s central area. While no specific nearby landmarks are listed, its presence on Birch Street places it in close proximity to key community institutions and services throughout the downtown corridor. With a 5.00 rating and strong community support, the Children’s Council is recognized for its consistent, accessible, and compassionate services that directly address basic needs for families across Watauga County. Its long-standing commitment to equity, education, and family empowerment continues to strengthen early childhood development in the region.