By Chelsea Baucom-Young / Adoption & Pregnancy Support Services Manager
The third annual Baby Bottle Campaign, a partnership between Catholic Charities and parishes throughout the Diocese of Green Bay, concluded on Father’s Day with tremendous success. The campaign helps provide hope, support, and essential resources to new and expectant parents across Northeast Wisconsin.
This year, three parishes partnered with Catholic Charities to host the Baby Bottle Campaign:
- Prince of Peace Parish, Green Bay
- St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Waupaca
- St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish, Lakewood
A new addition to the campaign this year was the participation of Chilton Catholic School. Students took part in a week-long “Coin War” competition, raising more than $1,000. The school’s 4-K students led the effort by collecting the highest amount of donations and celebrated their victory with a pizza party and picnic alongside Catholic Charities’ Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services staff. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn how their generosity helps support new and expectant parents throughout Northeast Wisconsin while celebrating the difference they made in the lives of local families.
The concept of the Baby Bottle Campaign is simple: participants take home an empty baby bottle, fill it with spare change, cash, or checks and return it to their parish or school. More than three-hundred baby bottles were distributed throughout this year’s campaign. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners, students, and community supporters, the campaign raised more than $7,000. Much of the total came from the loose change collected in baby bottles.
Funds raised through the campaign directly support Catholic Charities’ Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services Program, helping new and expectant parents access critical resources and services. Assistance may include baby supplies, car seats, partial rent assistance, utility support, and help addressing urgent needs that cannot be met through other community resources. Families are also able to receive guidance and support from Catholic Charities’ experienced Family Resource Coordinators.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, these funds help strengthen the long-term stability of young families, providing support during challenging circumstances and helping parents build a more secure future for their children.
One parent who received assistance shared, “I just had a baby, have not been working, and I was very behind on rent. Catholic Charities helped me keep a roof over me and my children’s heads during this very difficult time. I am very grateful.”
Another parent stated, “It helped me pay my rent for the month of June and prevented me from becoming homeless.”
These stories highlight the meaningful impact made possible through the generosity of campaign participants.
Catholic Charities extends its sincere gratitude to the parishes, school community, and all donors who participated in this year’s Baby Bottle Campaign. Because of their generosity, new and expectant mothers have hope during some of life's most challenging moments. Their support is helping provide hope, stability, and practical assistance to expectant and new parents throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
Interested in participating in next year’s Baby Bottle Campaign or learning more about Catholic Charities’ Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services Program? Contact Chelsea Baucom-Young at cbaucomyoung@gbdioc.org or (920)-272-8234.