Sometimes people are quick to speak out on issues but don’t back up their rhetoric with actions. Not so at The Bridge to Life in Flushing, a pro-life group that reinforces its anti-abortion stance by standing ready to assist young mothers.

“We’re doing God’s work here,” says Cathy Donohoe, president of the board of Bridge to Life. “We’re doing the work that people tend not to be able to do. It’s not easy walking the walk on pro-life, especially in New York City.”

When we recently visited, a 17-year-old mom was sitting in the hallway with her month-old child. A volunteer spoke to her in Spanish. She offered a bottle of baby formula, which the child, named Justin, seemed to appreciate. In a moment, mom and grandmom would be brought into the clothes section, and they could pick out whatever was needed for the children (there was an older child at home).

In adjoining rooms, more volunteers, mostly middle-aged and older women, were folding onesies and shirts and little pants in anticipation that more moms would soon be dropping by. Most of the help is Catholic, but the group officially is non-sectarian. It is housed in a building owned by a Lutheran church because that’s where it was offered the most reasonable rent.

All the material is donated. Recently, a fraternity and sorority from Queens College had restocked the shelves with plastic bags full of baby clothing and accessories. Local parishes hold baby showers and other fundraisers to support the pro-life agenda.

“When I first started, we only stocked up to size five,” recalls Virginia Gallo, who oversees the clothing stock. “So I would have a mother come in with a two-year-old, and there was maybe a four- or a five-year-old and I didn’t have anything for that child. I didn’t think that was right. So, now it goes up to size 14. I try to help everyone.”

In addition to clothing, the center also offers referrals for problems dealing with housing, domestic violence and GEDs.

“We show them that we care,” says Gallo. “That’s important because these days most people don’t care.”

“We offer mothers hope,” adds Donohoe.

The Bridge to Life has only one employee, Regina Deitman, who oversees the intake and maintains all the office records. She says that sometimes someone who has been helped comes back and offers a donation.

“They remember that we were there when they needed help,” says Deitman.

Financial donations are always needed, but the most wanted material items these days are cribs, strollers and car seats.

“Someone came in last week. She just had her second child. Her first baby died because she rolled over on her in bed. She didn’t have a baby crib. So, we gave her a bassinette for the second child, but we don’t always have it. The demand is great.”

Donohoe scoffs at Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the country.

“The child has to be spoken up for because that child is voiceless. Human rights trump women’s rights every time,” she says.

On Sunday, April 27, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Bridge to Life will hold its major fund-raising dinner at Leonard’s of Great Neck, L.I. I, along with Sister Ellen Patricia Finn, O.P., of Catholic Charities, will be honored to accept the group’s Champion of Life Award. We hope you will support us with your attendance or donations. For more information, go to www.bridgetolife.org.