By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Auburn CSS had originally planned to distribute 40 Thanksgiving meal kits, complete with a turkey and all the trimmings, to local families in need. When the Thanksgiving request line opened, all 40 meals were claimed within five minutes!
Realizing the immense need in the community and wishing we could help more families, but also knowing our limitations, felt heavy. My heart went out to those callers who were a little too late, especially some I had personally given flyers, people who spoke of counting on this holiday help.
As we connected, it was nice to note representation from all five counties we serve: Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson. I embraced the gratitude from those first 40 and was happy to offer later callers traditional food pantry appointments.
The day after the call intake, the 41st caller, a hard-working father, arrived for his scheduled appointment. I knew he was caller #41 because it pained me when I saw his name on the caller ID as I shut off the line. We spoke the day before, and he had assured me he would be able to take a quick work break to call in at 11:00 to get on the list.
He and his wife showed up during his lunch hour, pulling a wagon to load their groceries because their car had broken down. As we loaded the wagon, he disappointedly chuckled and shared with me, “Man, I called as close to 11:00 as I could, but I was busy at work, and didn’t realize 11:05 would be too late to get a turkey.” My heart would have broken, but instead was overflowing with excitement at what I was able to share.
With a knowing smile, I delivered the twist: “You were so close! You were the 41st caller.” The disbelief and disappointment on his face showed his silent question: “Are you kidding me and my bad luck!?” It was a wonderful moment, then, to reveal that this was, in fact, their blessed day, and their family would receive a Thanksgiving meal. A local donor had reached out immediately after the call line closed, specifically offering “one really big turkey,” and we had extra sides available in the food pantry. The news brought overwhelming relief and the biggest smiles. The “Are you kidding me!?” expression returned, but now it was an expression of pure wonder at a small, unexpected miracle.
We had the supplies we needed for 41 meal kits, but the kits and invitations to more families quickly grew. As locals became aware of the increased need, additional turkeys and sides began arriving daily!
The outreach of Joan Milligan, an employee of St. Francis Gift and Thrift (SFGT), inspired a surge in donations for more Thanksgiving meals. The generosity extended far beyond food: CSS also received substantial monetary donations, diapers, personal care items, and various donated goods at SFGT. This powerful alignment of need and generosity truly demonstrated God’s unwavering presence. A moving moment was when a man approached me, handed over three $100 bills, and simply instructed, “Feed people.”
This holiday season has been exceptionally busy, exhausting, yet deeply rewarding as we serve more people amidst ongoing food insecurity and life uncertainties. Our Auburn office typically serves an average of 104 individuals food per month, but this month that number jumped to 314! Rolling on coffee, helping hands, and Jesus rings true! Beyond food, we’ve been able to provide donated gift cards, personal care items, diapers, brand new winter gear, household items, financial assistance, love, and relief.
Our dedicated SFGT staff and volunteers, led by new Store Manager Julie Perry, have worked continuously and with gusto to prepare the store for the holidays. The arrival of new volunteers has been a beautiful gift, boosting productivity and sales, and reinforcing our thankfulness and trust. There is genuine joy and a pause from worry when one enters CSS and SFGT. It’s not just from the holiday decorations or the turkey dinners; it’s the joy of serving and “doing small things with great love.” Witnessing the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community has been inspiring. These combined efforts have allowed us to serve more families than ever before, successfully turning a great need into a great blessing. Imagine the beauty this must be to the one who created you and me.
