For nearly a decade, Nathan Sherman has been helping Catholic Charities Marisol Family serve families with young children across Northern Colorado. What began as a simple curiosity about a diaper drive at his parish grew into a lasting commitment to helping parents and children access essential resources. Through the support of volunteers like Nathan and his family, Marisol Family is able to provide diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, family education and other critical services that help families thrive.
When Nathan was just 3 years old, his mother Karen began teaching him the importance of giving and helping others. While attending preschool at St Thomas More, Nathan noticed the collection containers for Diaper Disciples from the parish. Curious about how he could help, he learned about the ministry’s mission and the drivers who delivered donations to Marisol Family and St. James.
Nathan eagerly became involved. Since 2017, he has helped organize diapers by size in the small garage at St. James parish, preparing them for families. He would help number the diapers that were collected and every opportunity to serve filled him with excitement. Karen loved capturing those special moments in photos, proud to see her young son embracing a spirit of generosity.
Karen herself served as an official driver, delivering diapers, baby wipes and other essential items to families in need through Queen of Peace parish, St. James parish, pregnancy centers and other outreach efforts. As the years passed, Nathan continued serving alongside his mother. During Marisol Family’s Lenten drive he volunteered through both his school and parish. His father also joined in, making service a family mission. Together they supported ministries at All Saints and Queen of Peace parishes.
One of Nathan’s favorite projects was St Thomas More’s Fill Your Bottle campaign. He enjoyed encouraging donations and inspiring other children to participate, helping raise even more support for families in need.
Now, Nathan is 14 years old and has graduated from 8th grade at St. Thomas More. As he prepares to attend a non-Catholic high school this year, his commitment to his faith and service remains strong. Karen was especially moved by something her son recently said:
“I will always die Catholic.”
Those words reflected the values he had learned throughout his life, faith, compassion and a desire to serve others. Nathan wants to continue helping, giving and showing God’s love wherever he goes. What began with a preschool child excitedly numbering diapers has grown into a young man dedicated to making a difference, carrying forward a legacy of faith and service that his family helped nurture from the very beginning.
Nathan’s story is a reminder that acts of service, no matter how small they may seem, can create a lasting impact. Catholic Charities Marisol Family serves more than 61,000 children each year and distributes over 2.2 million diapers to families across Northern Colorado. That impact is only possible because of volunteers, donors and parish partners who faithfully support families in our community. We are grateful for Nathan and his family, whose dedication over the years has helped ensure that parents and young children receive the care, encouragement and resources they need to thrive.
To learn more about Marisol Family, visit: ccdenver.org/marisol-family.