Last holiday season, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints included Catholic Charities of Oregon in the annual Light the World Giving Machine.
The LDS team kindly invited Catholic Charities to send a number of cards, one of which was for diapers for needy households.
One of the most expensive items for families, diapers are always welcome.
Martha Olmos of Catholic Charities of Oregon hands a packet of wipes to a client during Sept. 3 food pantry hours at Esperanza Court in Southeast Portland. Funds from the Light the World Giving Machine project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports the distribution of diapers and wipes to families in need.
Dennis Gibson, retired CEO of Fred Meyer and chairman of the Light the World Committee, came to Catholic Charities last year to present a check of more than $29,000 to support the distribution of diapers and other programs.
In addition to the Giving Machine funds, local Catholic parishes donate diapers in the Traveling Crib, an old crib that gets set up at churches where the faithful fill it with donations.
Other cards in the Giving Machine were for refugee food baskets, a refuge mobile phone, refugee legal fees and comfort items for seniors.