TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Since 2013 Monte Cassino has donated over 302,000 diapers and over 1,500 packages of baby wipes for the youngest poor in Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
This year’s diaper drive broke a school record with 26,836 diapers and 24 packages of baby wipes.
A demonstration of community, that’s one way to describe the flurry of activity taking place at Monte Cassino.
“So we’re loading these diapers in the car to take them to Catholic Charities,” said 7th grader Josie Hull.
For over 10 years Monte Cassino has become diaper central.
“Every year at Monte Cassino we do a diaper drive for Catholic schools week,” said 7th grader Anna Denny.
Their goal this year was 25,000 diapers.
“We really wanted to reach our goal of 25,000 so we called businesses in Utica, we did a ton of advertising, we put up posters and all sorts of stuff,” she said.
“Tell them where we’re from and what the cause is and stuff,” said 7th grader Harper Akins.
The diapers came rolling in and the students rolled up their sleeves.
“So you get the diapers and you group them into groups of ten by their size,” said Anna.
“We like got really into it and really enjoyed it so we started coming in at recess and during our free time and being able to sort diapers,” said Harper.
On this day they got to see all that hard work pay off.
“It makes a big difference,” said Angela Grissom of Madonna House at Catholic Charities. She says the delivery will certainly make an impact.
“We help pregnant moms and moms with infants up to a year,” said Grissom.
And one of those moms is Zoey Harris, holding one year old Micha.
“I was six months pregnant, homeless and I found out this place and I came and did my interview and we’ve been here since,” she said.
The access to diapers has been a huge relief, she says.
“So I have not had to buy diapers since I was six months pregnant with him,” she said.
A spirit of community, where those who give also end up receiving as well.
“Made me like realize how fortunate I am and how I should use those blessings I have to give back to others,” said Josie.
