More than a Drive: Diapers for Seton Home
Campus Ministry sponsors third annual diaper drive
Gina Rea, Religion Chair
March 05, 2010
Our Third Annual Diaper Drive for Seton Home has begun, and our students have responded generously. At the time of this writing, we have over 2000 diapers and are well on our way to our minimum goal of 10,000 diapers.
Three years ago, when this drive began, we did not imagine that it would grow to such mammoth proportions. Last year we had a minimum goal of 10,000 diapers. During the final count the only sound in my room was the tapping of calculators as we hurried to count and restack the seemingly endless boxes and packages of diapers. There was stunned silence when we made the final tally: 26,000 diapers! In the face of such an outpouring of kindness, who could speak?
Obviously, the numbers show the concern that Central Catholic has for the young women of Seton Home, but what they don’t show is what happens to those who participate in this drive. The diapers are stored in room 235, and daily the students who have class here come face to face with the reality of the dignity of life. Conversations initiated by these diapers range anywhere from fatherhood, marriage, love and courage to feeding, changing and caring for babies. Currently, the topic in class is abortion. These hundreds of diapers, and the commitment that brought them to my room, stand in silent witness to the dignity of life.
All of our boys who buy and carry diapers, who answer strangers’ questions on the diaper drive, who bring diapers to my room and are so proud to make the diaper pile grow, are a living testimony to God’s love made real in this world.
I have met so many parents; whose kindness and giving are humbling. I am reminded of the two mothers who volunteered to carry our first drive’s worth of over 11,000 diapers to Seton Home, or the grandmother whose prayer group donated hundreds of diapers, or the mother who with her son, carried over 700 diapers into my room. What a blessing this drive is as it goes beyond the class room, into our homes and into the community. It has taken on a life of its own, guided, I am sure, by the Spirit. We are blessed with the joy of giving to such a worthy cause.
Seton Home is a home for homeless pregnant and parenting teens who wish to keep and raise their children. Their goal is to have a future of hope based on self sufficiency. They rely heavily on donations, and Central Catholic High School provides them with a much needed supply of diapers. Currently, 32 teen mothers and their babies reside at Seton Home, with another 13 pregnant teen moms whose babies will soon be born. As you can see, their need for diapers is great.
Please help us be a witness to life and support our Diaper Drive with your donations of Diapers. They are in need of sizes Newborn, 1,2,5,6 and Pull-Ups. Donations can be brought to room 235 where they will be accepted with much gratitude. The Diaper drive will be in progress until Friday, April 9.
