By Chelsea Baucom-Young, Manager of Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay
On September 16, 2025, Catholic Charities launched Hope in Hand Bags, which will be distributed on the third Tuesday of each month at Catholic Charities offices and remote locations throughout the Diocese of Green Bay, targeting families with children under 3 years of age at home. The success of a similar effort from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse inspired the idea.
Hope in Hand Bags may include items such as baby wash, diaper cream, diapers, adult body wash/shampoo, a sleep sack, and a children’s board book. Each bag also provides information on community resources, safe sleeping practices, the importance of reading to children, and perinatal mental health.
Many parents struggle to afford necessities as they enter parenthood, with the ongoing cost of diapers and wipes alone often exceeding $100 each month. By packaging some of these items, we aim to give new parents a head start during one of the most challenging phases of parenthood — no strings attached. Families can pick up bags twice per year.
Catholic Charities recognizes that it takes a collective effort to care for young families in Northeast Wisconsin and appreciates the many wonderful community partners who help young families get a strong and healthy start in life. No single agency can accomplish this task alone.
We are hopeful that Hope in Hand Bags can symbolize Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay’s embrace that “We are There” to those in need.
Distribution will occur on the third Tuesday of each month at Catholic Charities’ office locations in Green Bay, Marinette, and Menasha, as well as at remote sites at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Waupaca and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc. For more information about dates, times, and eligibility, please visit catholiccharitiesgb.org/wellness-support.
If you are interested in organizing a drive to collect items for Hope in Hand Bags with your employees, colleagues, classmates, family, friends, or parish, please contact Chelsea Baucom-Young at cbaucomyoung@gbdioc.org or 920-272-8234.
If you wish to contribute items directly, you can visit our Catholic Charities Amazon wish list at catholiccharitiesgb.org/social-ministry/catholic-charities-wish-list. Thank you for helping us support young families in our diocese.