National Orthodox Baby Shower Sets New Donation Record in Sixth Annual Campaign

RIVERSIDE, CA — Orthodox parishes across the United States collected record levels of donations this spring during the sixth annual National Orthodox Baby Shower, a nationwide outreach supporting women facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies.

Organized by Orthodox Christians for Life, the initiative brought together nearly 100 parishes from nine Orthodox jurisdictions. Held during Great Lent and around the Feast of the Annunciation, the campaign partners local churches with pregnancy resource centers that provide counseling, parenting support, medical services, and material assistance to mothers and families.

This year's effort engaged more than 2,550 participants and resulted in the collection of more than 76,900 diapers, 3,760 packages of baby wipes, over 5,200 articles of baby clothing and shoes, nearly 4,400 additional baby items — including cribs, car seats, strollers, and formula — and more than $25,000 in financial donations. Since the program's launch in 2021, participating parishes have donated more than 204,000 diapers and over 37,000 additional baby supplies.

Emily Yocum, executive director of Orthodox Christians for Life, said the initiative demonstrates the Church's commitment to supporting both mothers and unborn children through practical acts of compassion.

“In a culture that is increasingly hostile to motherhood and family life, we must be the first to demonstrate Christianity’s reverence for human life in the womb and the sacred relationship between mother and child, as revealed so tenderly by our Savior and the Theotokos," she said.

Organizers also noted that many participating parishes continue volunteering with and supporting their local pregnancy resource centers long after the annual collection concludes, helping establish ongoing partnerships within their communities.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox Christians for Life offers prayers to end abortion during the Dormition Fast.