Struggling moms and families sometimes face the heartbreaking decision between food or diapers for their babies.

No one should have to make such a decision, but it’s a sad reality for people living in poverty in the United States. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, no government programs earmark money “specifically for the purchase of diapers,” which also can’t be bought with food stamps. Further, the absence of transportation often necessitates paying a premium for diapers at nearby convenience stores, rather than discounted at big box stores, adding to the cost.

Thankfully, faith-based groups are among non-governmental agencies or groups filling the void of providing diaper assistance. In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Permanent Diaconate, in conjunction with the Respect Life Apostolate, helps moms and families keep babies high and dry.

The third annual Deacon Diaper Drive will run for 16 days over three weekends at parishes throughout the archdiocese, beginning the weekend of March 17-18 and concluding on Easter Sunday. Parishioners are asked to donate bags, boxes or cases of diapers at weekend Masses, with 100 percent of the donations staying local. A parish’s St. Vincent de Paul society or food pantry, or a nearby women’s shelter or crisis nursery, will distribute the diapers.

In two years for the drive, St. Louis Catholics have donated 310,000 diapers for newborns, infants and toddlers. Diapers are needed in all sizes, from newborn to size 6 and pull-ups, to ensure a good range in sizes for moms and families in need. Adult diapers are welcomed as well.

Deacon Jim Carter is spearheading the drive this year. For questions, email him at [email protected].