Diaper drop helps more than 200 children

Deacon Wilmar Rojas blessed Andrea Amado and her family as they wait in the diaper drip line during Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Walking With Moms In Need quarterly event, Dec. 12. (GLENDA MEEKINS | FC)

ORLANDO | Catholic Charities of Central Florida held a mobile diaper drop as part of the quarterly commitment to Walking With Moms In Need. The program initiated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops began in September.

Diapers and hand-knit caps for newborns are among the items pregnant and parenting mother receive during the diaper drop event. For the 168 families receiving blankets, lotion, and other supplies, the proximity to the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a sign that the Mother of God is always present. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

Leidy Rivas, director of Culture of Life for Catholic Charities, said the Dec. 11th event drew 168 families and reached 260 children. The goal of Walking With Moms In Need is to accompany pregnant and parenting women. Families received diapers, lotion, laundry detergent, blankets, and women’s hygiene products. Parishes throughout the diocese joined the efforts by sending in diapers and hand-knitting caps for newborns. The labor of love added a personal touch during a difficult season.

As recipients lined up in the Knights of Columbus Council 2112 parking lot, Missionary of Mercy, Father Anthony Aarons and Deacon Wilmar Rojas were on hand to pray and bless parents and children, while volunteers handed out cards with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a prayer. Several mothers said they felt Our Lady’s intercession. The Patroness of the Americas feast was the following day.

Andrea Amado came with her mother and three boys ages 11, 9 and 6 months old. The native Venezuelan is unemployed and said, “This is a tremendous help.” When asked what the Virgin of Guadalupe meant to her, she said tearfully, “She is my mother. I am grateful to her. Despite being a difficult year for all of us, she always works through others to lend a helping hand.”

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic, December 16, 2020