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Welcome to Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes – a beacon of hope for families in need across Thurston and surrounding counties. Founded in 2014 by Lance Benson, our grassroots mission has always been straightforward: to ensure that no family has to face the difficult choice between diapers and basic necessities like food or gas. From our modest beginnings in a small office closet, we've grown to provide essential diaper relief to thousands, with over 64,000 diapers donated in 2019 alone.

Our commitment extends beyond mere numbers; it's about the real impact we make in the lives of families every day. By providing emergency access to diapers and wipes, we not only address a critical need but also instill a sense of dignity and hope among those we serve. The journey from a single request for help to becoming a trusted community resource exemplifies what we can achieve together.

You can make a difference. Whether by donating diapers, contributing funds, or volunteering your time, your support fuels our ability to continue this vital work. Join us in our ongoing mission to ensure every child in our community has the essentials they need to thrive. Together, let's create a future where the choice between diapers and basic essentials is a dilemma no family has to face.


Board Members

  • Lance Benson

    Founder & Executive Director

  • Haley

    As a seasoned Real Estate Professional, I've embarked on a fulfilling journey of transforming houses into homes, with my sights set on flipping my 8th property located in North Dakota. With each project, I bring not only my expertise in the real estate market but also my unwavering commitment to fiduciary responsibility, a skill set I bring to Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes.

    Balancing the demands of my profession with the joys of family life, I am a proud wife and mother to a wonderful daughter. My personal experiences have imbued me with a profound appreciation for the value of home and the importance of financial prudence, especially during challenging times.

    Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes holds a special place in my heart, as it represents an opportunity for me to give back in a meaningful way. During a period of vulnerability when my daughter was born prematurely at 2.2lbs, my family and I relied on the generosity and support of others. We spent 96 days in the NICU, navigating through uncertain waters. It's through this journey that I recognized the significance of community and the vital role organizations like this play in providing assistance and hope to those in need. Driven by a desire to pay it forward, I am deeply committed to leveraging my skills and resources to contribute positively to this organization. For me, it's not just about flipping houses; it's about building futures and creating opportunities for others, just as others did for me in my time of need.

  • Vanessa

    In 2022 I became Mrs. Ruiz marrying the love of my life William. Together since 2014, and

    proud parents of two beautiful rambunctious boys Kash and Harlem. Being a Thurston County native, I feel honored to be assisted in the creation of a supportive, and nurturing community that paves the way for a brighter future for the children and families within. In 2015 I obtained my Associate of Arts In Business with certificates in HR and Business Management through Pierce Community College. I utilized my degree working as an Office Manager, educator, and State

    Farm Account Manager. In 2019 I became an Early Childhood Educator then Assistant Director. Providing me with the opportunity to establish and maintain strong relationships with families and children. To which fueled my desire to make positive changes and contributions to our community. I have a huge passion for helping children and families get back on their feet and help in times of need, no matter how long they may need a helping hand. This passion has led me to the opportunity to be a Board Member and volunteer at Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes. I am a strong advocate and voice for children in my community; in a world full of adversity and challenges I believe that no child should go without the basic necessities regardless of their circumstances. Some of my adventures: I have ridden in a Hot Air Balloon, Summited Mt.Rose, and currently running as Mrs. Capitol City for Mrs. Washington 2024.

  • Melissa S

    Hello! I’m Melissa S, a mother of two young children, ages 4 and 6, living in Olympia, Washington. During the pandemic, my family faced severe financial uncertainties, which forced us to make difficult choices between essentials such as food, gas, and diapers. It was then that I first came across Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes. They provided much more than necessary supplies; they offered a welcoming and understanding presence that profoundly impacted my family. The support we received went beyond material aid—it was a gesture of genuine care and compassion that made us feel valued and supported.

    This experience was not only a lifeline but a turning point for me. I was so moved by the mission and the warmth of Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes that I vowed to return as a volunteer and give back to the community that had so graciously supported us. Fulfilling that promise, I am now proud to serve as a board member, where I can contribute more significantly to an organization that was there for me during my time of need.

    With an MBA and extensive experience in project and event management, I am committed to leveraging my professional skills to foster social change and enhance the supportive services that Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes offers. My roles on the fundraising committees at Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy and Olympia Family Theater have allowed me to use my skills in fundraising, grant writing, and strategic planning to further causes close to my heart.

    Additionally, I am the founder and CEO of Breezy Heart Travel, a business that combines my passion for travel with philanthropy. Through creative initiatives like group cruise fundraisers, we not only craft memorable experiences but also generate support for impactful community projects. This role allows me to extend my commitment to giving back, using travel as a platform to benefit our local and global community.

    Serving on this board is both an honor and a commitment to merge my personal experiences with my professional ambitions to effect positive change. I am excited about the potential for collaboration with fellow board members and our community, leveraging our collective resources to build a more supportive, inclusive, and just world.

  • Melissa J

    Melissa Jones started volunteering at Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes in the summer of 2022 and loved the mission so much that she was honored to join the board shorty after. She continued to volunteer until she moved in the winter of 2024, and she is now a remote board member, serving the community from across the country in Virginia.

    Melissa, an Army wife of over 20 years, was born in Indiana and has lived in many states over the years. When she moved to Washington, she was thrilled to find this organization and be able to help the community with diaper need. Our clients have become her friends, and she is very thankful to be able to be a part of the board from afar.

    In addition to a wonderful husband, Melissa has three children- two girls and a boy- who have also loved helping at Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes. She loves to volunteer and hopes to teach her children to be helpers in the community.

  • Adrienne

    Adrienne Quintana has been an integral part of the Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes board since November 2021, serving as the Director of Social Media. Graduating from the Art Institute of Seattle, Adrienne previously played a vital role in the Nordstrom Direct team before shifting her focus to family life. Born and raised in Lacey, Adrienne returned to Thurston County in 2014 when she became a mom. It was during this time that she became acquainted with Dry Tikes and supported its cause as a community member.

    In addition to her role at Dry Tikes and Wet Wipes, Adrienne holds significant positions as the Vice President of her local PTO and the Director of Fundraising for the Thurston County Youth Football League Tumwater T-Birds. Her dedication to addressing diaper need and supporting families across the community has always been evident. Adrienne's unwavering commitment to non-profit work has made her an invaluable asset to the organization.

    Outside of her philanthropic endeavors, Adrienne enjoys exploring the world with her husband, two sons, and dog.


We were featured on Eric’s Heroes on KOMONEWS.

Eric's Heroes: The Diaper Guy is a savior to families in need

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- We all wonder at times what we could do to make the world a better place. For most of us it can be an overwhelming question, and so usually we leave it hanging in the air, unanswered.Lance Benson was able to answer the question. And then,

A special thanks to our major partners!