Give the Gift of Dignity: Join the Diaper Drive During Respect Life Month
- Denver Catholic Staff
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
It’s October again — the season when the Church pauses to contemplate life at every stage. During Respect Life Month, we are reminded that defending the dignity of life means responding not only to grand questions but to small, concrete needs. One such need is diapers. Clean, dry diapers keep infants healthy; they allow mothers and fathers to go to work, attend school, or care for other children. Yet for many families in our community, diapers are a struggle.
That’s why Catholic Charities of Denver’s Bottom Line Diaper Bank continues its fall diaper drive — and invites the faithful across the archdiocese to join in.
Real Lives, Real Need
Consider the story of Daylin, a mother whose steps forward are “powered by love.” When resources toward diapers ran thin, she turned to Marisol Family for help — and found more than just supplies. She found a partner walking with her in dignity.
Then there is Joe, a local father: “Marisol Family has become like family to me,” he says. When he lacked diapers, the ministry responded — in love, not judgement.
These testimonies are not exceptions. In Colorado each year, more than 67,000 children live in families that need diaper help.
Why Diapers Matter More Than Many Realize
An infant typically uses 8–10 diapers per day, a cost that adds up fast.
Diapers cannot be purchased via SNAP (food stamps), WIC, or Medicare — a gap few realize.
Without access to disposable diapers, parents are sometimes turned away from childcare or early-education programs. That makes it harder to work or complete education.
Health concerns multiply: homemade substitutes, extended wear, and lack of sanitary options raise risks of diaper rash and infection.
In short: diapers are not a luxury — they are essential. Respecting life means caring for the tiniest among us in practical ways.
How the Drive Works
Catholic Charities’ Bottom Line Diaper Bank collects diapers through donors, then distributes them via Marisol Family centers and other Catholic Charities ministries across the archdiocese.
You may:
Donate new disposable diapers (any size).
Host a diaper drive at your parish, school, business or community group — Catholic Charities will help you with logistics.
Donate monetarily, and the diaper bank will purchase what is most needed.
Spread the word — use bulletin announcements, social media, or your parish’s communication channels.
For large diaper donations or bulk contributions, you may reach Mary Houtsma at mhoutsma@marisolservices.com or call 303-320-8352.
Even small contributions — just a few packs of diapers — accumulate when many people say yes.
A Spiritual Call to Serve Life
As Catholics, we are heirs of a rich tradition of care for the vulnerable. To care for babies, to support mothers and fathers in difficulty, to enable families to flourish — these are authentic gestures of living the Gospel.
During Respect Life Month, let us move beyond slogans and enter into service. Let our parishes and families become supporters of this diaper drive, giving tangible help to neighbors in need.
Remember: every diaper makes a difference.
