 When Dr. Carolann Littzi and her daughter, Emma, founded Angelic Diaper Ministries in July of 2009, they were able to supply diapers for nine babies in need. Eighteen months later, they are distributing diapers to about 106 babies a month, surpassing Littzi’s personal goal of 100 for 2010.
Littzi, a physician and mother of two, was moved by a magazine article she read while on maternity leave some years ago about moms reusing diapers for their babies. Research led to more disturbing facts: approximately 19% of children in Pennsylvania, ages four and under, are below poverty level; diaper manufacturers do not donate diapers; and WIC and other government programs do not supply diapers.
“I was so upset by the problem that I decided to do something about it—at least locally,” Littzi said.
The 501c3 nonprofit organization collects diapers through donations and distributes them to families in need, enough for about two weeks. In 2010, Angelic Diaper Ministries received two grants–one through the Luzerne Foundation and another from a department store chain. Otherwise, the organization is run through donations.
Distribution sites are located in area churches, which Littzi prefers, rather than a sterile government agency of some sort. Many of the 18 or more volunteers are women from the church who are happy to help pack, load, and distribute the diapers, as well as talk to the mothers who come to pick them up.
Paula Kospewicz is a volunteer who has been involved from the beginning. Although it can’t serve all the women in need yet, she said the organization has “done a lot of good and met a real need.” She urges people in the community to get involved in whatever ways they can.
“It has deepened my faith–both in God and in the generosity of my fellow man,” she said. “It opens my eyes because the women we serve are so grateful. They want to give back.”
This is true of Megan Monahan, 24, who has been fortunate to diaper her two children with help from Angelic Diaper Ministries. She stumbled upon an advertisement about the organization in an area donut shop.
“Her program has benefited my family a whole lot,” said Monahan, who believes the ministry is making a “huge impact” in the community, now volunteers at the distribution sites, and donates her unneeded baby items to moms who come in to pick up diapers. She also refers other mothers to the organization– those who she said would let their kids sit in wet diapers because they could not afford clean ones.
Expectant mothers add their names to a waiting list with Angelic Diaper Ministries.
The qualifications are simple: any baby who is receiving federal aid such as WIC or food stamps is eligible. Because babies grow at such a fast rate, Littzi said the organization is “constantly in motion.” It is all about having the right diaper size for the right baby at the right location each month.
Littzi dedicates a minimum of 20 hours per week to the ministry, managing the list of mothers and babies, shopping for the diapers, and working at the distribution sites. Her 15-year-old daughter Emma, a sophomore at Wyoming Seminary, has been involved since the beginning. She does a lot of “behind the scenes” tasks, such as inventory, administrative duties, and paperwork. In addition, Littzi speaks at various organizations at least twice a month.
“We work with many other organizations because I believe one person can’t do it all,” she said.
Some of the organizations that refer mothers to Angelic Diaper Ministries or host diaper drives are Nurse Family Partnership, the Pro Life Center, Project Mom (operates through the Department of Education), Early Head Start, and His Resting Place Maternity Home (a shelter for homeless teen mothers). Local businesses, schools, junior leagues, and dozens of organizations conduct diaper drives and help donate to the cause. Some area business owners, including a local massage therapist and Johanna from BUKA, in Shavertown, offered discounts over the holidays to customers who donated diapers.
Angelic Diaper Ministries is expanding as donations allow. Littzi’s dream is to develop into the Hazleton area.
“There is a great need there,” she explained.
Once that happens, much of Luzerne County will be covered.
There are many ways to get involved with this remarkable organization. Tax-deductible donations are accepted via its website, www.angelicdiapers.org. Checks can be sent to: Angelic Diaper Ministries, P.O. Box 431, Dallas, PA 18612. Calls to donate diapers in sizes newborn-6 or to host a diaper drive can be made to (570) 814-2454.
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