A Message from the Regional Director
Jesse
Boeckermann Western Region Director
As the director of the Western Region Office of Catholic Charities, I am filled with so much gratitude for the incredible support and energy experienced at the 2024 Spirit of Hope event. It was not just a night of celebration for the 175 supporters who joined us but a testament to the impact we can make when we come together. It was a night filled with pure joy, inspiring conversations, and heartfelt celebrations of the work we do together.
Catholic Charities
Honors Local Heroes for Diaper Drive Efforts
We were blessed to have the presence and participation of local clergy, who enriched our gathering and added to the spirit of the evening. We honored Meagan Lyon Leimena and Alicia Heacock, leaders of Babies Need Bottoms, with the 2024 Spirit of Hope Award for addressing diaper needs for families across western North Carolina.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our advisory board members, who selflessly give their time and talents to support our mission. And let’s not forget our wonderful team of professionals and volunteers who truly make our office a special place. I feel blessed and grateful to work alongside them in creating a “Spirit of Hope” for those in need.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing this journey with us. Your presence and contributions have made a significant difference. Together, we can continue to spread hope, joy, and love to those in need in western North Carolina.
With sincere appreciation,
For Meagan Lyon Leimena and Alicia Heacock, diapers are not just essential for babies and toddlers. They represent hope and love for families in western North Carolina. That is why Catholic Charities was proud to present them with the 2024 Spirit of Hope Award for their incredible dedication to their organization, Babies Need Bottoms.
While some may overlook the need for clean diapers, the reality is that nearly half of American families are struggling to provide this necessity for their little ones. And while some programs aid those in poverty, none address the issue of diaper affordability.
Enter Babies Need Bottoms, founded in 2017. Since then, the organization has collected and distributed thousands of diapers, wipes, and barrier creams to families in need. But its mission goes beyond simply providing diapers. It also aims to raise awareness about this public health crisis and advocate for policy changes to improve access to diapers.
Let’s celebrate the incredible work of Meagan, Alicia, and Babies Need Bottoms and recognize their selfless efforts to support families and give hope to those in need.
ccdoc.org
The love of Christ impels us (II Cor. 5:14) to serve our neighbors in need (Mt. 25:31-46)–we cannot do otherwise (Deus Caritas Est, no. 25).
Support our mission by donating securely online at ccdoc.org/donate.
Please call 828-255-0146 for more information on how you can get involved. Donate Today
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Come share your time and talents by volunteering with Catholic Charities. There are many opportunities to enhance the services we provide our neighbors in need.