By Sharon Mager, BCM/D Staff Correspondent
LAUREL, Md.—First Church, Laurel moms made a startling discovery and immediately took action. The church’s MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group found that according to a Huggies Diaper survey, one in three mothers in the United States and Canada cannot afford to diaper their children properly and many are reusing disposable diapers just to get by.
Donna Klaver, who co-coordinates the group with founder Amy Patrick, said she was absolutely amazed. “I thought, oh my goodness! I would have never thought of that happening in America.” The group decided they had to help. They planned a baby shower for local moms in need, working with Laurel Pregnancy 
Center to determine who they should invite.
While planning the event, they discovered that MOPS International had grants available for groups who wanted to help other moms. They quickly applied and received $500 towards the project.
“The two just providentially fit together at the right time,” Melissa Jones said. Jones is the service and outreach team leader.
The group received the grant money along with additional donations of money, supplies and manpower (really women power) from First Laurel members and local churches in Laurel. The MOPS ladies rolled their sleeves up and sprung into action.
Twenty of the group’s 30 MOPS participated by decorating the church hall, making snacks and babysitting. Ten of the invited women attended on a rainy afternoon and were overwhelmed with the love and support they found. Klaver said several cried. One woman had recently received custody of a grandchild and was overwhelmed with the financial stress. Another was a 17-year-old high school student who was pregnant and not sure how to cope.
The guests were loved on and encouraged by the MOPS group and many MOPS shared their testimonies. There were also representatives from local community groups who told the ladies about resources available to them.
The ten shower recipients left with a very nice bounty of diapers, wipes, clothing and toys—months’ worth of supplies.
Klaver said it felt good to lift some of the womens’ financial burdens.