Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) is holding its 16th annual October Pro-Life Diaper Drive, seeking donations to support pregnancy centers and Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. The LDCCW, an organization that brings together all Catholic women in the Diocese of Lincoln, focuses on projects aimed at enhancing spiritual and family life.

Since its founding in 1932, the LDCCW has carried out various initiatives aligned with the Church's corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Each October, coinciding with “Respect Life Month,” the group organizes a drive to collect diapers or monetary contributions for local organizations serving pregnant women and families.

Pregnancy centers in the area typically distribute about 3,000 diapers per month to clients. The four largest centers within the diocese can provide up to 12,000 diapers monthly.

The goal for this year’s drive is to gather 100,000 diapers. This effort is part of a broader initiative called “Walking with Moms in Need,” launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The program aims to help parishes offer better support to pregnant and parenting women. According to USCCB materials, “everyone should know how to help moms in difficult circumstances.”

Catholics throughout the Diocese are encouraged by LDCCW organizers to contribute by leaving diaper donations in any diocesan church narthex. Organizers will then collect and deliver them to partner organizations supporting families.

Size 6 diapers are most needed due to their longer use by children as they grow. While newborns may use around 1,800 diapers annually before quickly changing sizes, older infants often require larger sizes for extended periods.

Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to “LDCCW” and mailed directly to their address at 3600 W Wittstruck Road, Martell, NE 68404. Funds collected will be used to purchase additional diapers if supplies run low.

Heather Lipovsky, social media manager for LDCCW, said: “This project has been successful because of the participation of all parishes in the Lincoln Diocese.”

Kay Wessel, who coordinates the diaper drive, added: “Please consider making a donation today. The babies thank you.”