Members of the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild, based at Sacred Heart Church on 12 Summer St. in Hallowell, plan to set up baby cribs at the church to collect items for a local pregnancy center that has helped thousands of women over the years.

The cribs will be set up at the church on Sunday, May 1 and 15, with parishioners and community members asked to drop off items for those being served at Open Arms Pregnancy Center in Augusta.

Items in particular need are diapers (especially sizes 3-5) and wipes, though bottles, socks, onesies, mobiles, baby monitors, Christian parenting and “What to Expect” books, and other baby products will be accepted, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Items can be dropped off in the cribs at the church before, during, or after the 5 p.m. Mass on May 1 and 15. Donations can also be dropped off at the Ladies Guild meeting set for 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, in the hall of Sacred Heart Church.

In recognition of May as the month of Mary, the Rosary will be recited at the beginning of the meeting, which will also include a baby shower for recipients of the items.

Located on 99 Bangor St. in Augusta, Open Arms Pregnancy Center exists to offer encouragement and support to pregnant women and young families. All the center’s services, including ultrasounds and prenatal care, are provided free of charge.

The center is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call the center at 207-620-1600.

For more information about the Ladies Guild, call 207-622-9436.

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