Catholic church parishes collected baby supplies for families affected by the oil spill.

July 15, 2010 – NEW ORLEANS, La – As families continue to feel the effects of stress and anxiety over the Gulf oil tragedy, the Catholic community in the Diocese of Baton Rouge turned their attention to the littlest victims by holding a baby supply drive throughout the church parishes.  The items were delivered today to Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse to then be distributed to families in need along the Gulf Coast.

About 30 church parishes in the diocese sponsored a donation drive for baby goods. Over the course of a few weeks about 3800 packages of diapers were collected and about 250 boxes of baby wipes. While the majority of the goods are being delivered to the Second Harvest warehouse some are also being delivered to Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux.

“By supplying baby goods, affected families can focus their unspent dollars and assistance on other essential living expenses such as housing and food,” said Catholic Charities Baton Rouge Executive Director David Aguillard.  Catholic Charities Baton Rouge organized the baby supply drive. 

According to Colleen D’Aquin Bosley, the baby supplies will be delivered along with Second Harvest Food Boxes to the five emergency relief sites operating within the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  Families will be eligible to receive supplies after meeting with a case manager. 

Since May 1, almost 17,000 individuals have received emergency assistance through Catholic Charities.  By the numbers, through July 9, 2010: 16,703 people (6,288 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities; $370,600 in food vouchers have been distributed to affected families, $75,030 in emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed at the relief centers, in addition to regular distributions through the SHFB partner pantries in the area; 393 cans of baby formula and 1,051 packages of diapers have been distributed; 3,524 people have received individual counseling and 60 have taken part in group counseling with Catholic Charities crisis counselors; and $147,107 has been given in direct assistance and baby supplies has been distributed to families. 

To donate to the Catholic Charities Oil Spill Relief fund, click here.