(SNR) – The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) is holding its 12th annual pro-life diaper drive this month.
The LDCCW is an organization of all Catholic women in the Diocese of Lincoln. Organized in 1932, the LDCCW has undertaken dozens of projects which fulfill the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
Each October, in honor of Pro-Life Month, the organization collects diapers for pro-life organizations around the state, and Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, which includes St. Gianna Women’s Homes.
Kay Wessel, who organizes the annual drive, said the goal this year is to collect more than 90,000 diapers, especially in sizes 5 and 6.
“Sizes 5 and 6 are the most frequently requested,” she explained, “as children use these sizes for a longer period of time during their growth. Children advance through the smaller sizes much quicker.”
All sizes will be accepted, she clarified, but those most needed are sizes 5 and 6.
The drive met its goal of 90,000 diapers last year, despite the pandemic.
“The donations last year were amazing,” Wessel said.
One school – St. Teresa Elementary in Lincoln – even made their collection a school-wide contest, resulting in a donation of 15,000 diapers from the small school. Wessel encouraged the contest idea for schools, CCD programs and other groups.
Donated diapers may be delivered to any diocesan parish. A representative of each deanery – a geographical region – will collect the donations at the end of the month for distribution to pro-life organizations.
Donors may also simply make a cash donation and mail it to Wessel at 3600 W. Wittstruck Rd, Martell, NE 68404. Checks should be made payable to Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women or LDCCW.
Last year, Wessel said, many donors chose to make a cash donation in lieu of shopping, which allowed the LDCCW to use those funds to purchase needed diapers at a discount.
“The request for diapers increased significantly during the pandemic and that increase is still realized today,” Wessel said.
