by Katie Patrick
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska raised $28,034 during the annual “Give Hastings Day” this year, with donations going toward our Family Support Services, Food Recovery and Distribution, and St. Gianna Women’s Homes West. Organized by the Hastings Community Foundation, this online giving campaign raised and rallied support for 97 local nonprofits doing great work.
The day itself was not only filled with charitable giving but networking opportunities and celebrations by and for the nonprofit community. We were blessed to be part of the events held at The Lark, where our very own Regional Director John McDonald rang the gong when all donations reached $275,000.
Have you been impacted by the fires across our state and need help?
Have you lost your home and are in need of dishes, pots, pans, and other household items? We can help. Are you in need of fencing or hay? We can help. Is what you need most is a prayer? We got you covered! Sending prayers, household supplies, and cash for fencing and hay out your way.
Click here and complete the short form as requested and one of our staff members will be in touch with you right away.
Likewise, if you would like to make a donation to those impacted by the fires, visit www.cssisus.org/donate and for the specific designation, select Disaster Relief Fund.
This event also gave us the opportunity to use Facebook Live for the first time. You can view our videos from that day on our Facebook page.
However, as is often the case, the real story that day was what took place behind the scenes. Our emergency services staff from Lincoln, Auburn and Imperial all drove out to Hastings for a couple days so that they could spend time together learning and helping with our operations on the ground. All of our staff are currently working on their programs’ strategic plans for the upcoming fiscal year and the in-person collaboration gets our creative juices flowing for how we want to strengthen and expand our services to serve those most in need across our diocese.
Our visiting staff observed and helped out with the food recovery that takes place every week on Mondays and Thursdays. Last year, our food recovery and distribution program in Hastings delivered more than 200 tons (roughly 400,000 pounds) of food to smaller church and community pantries across 14 counties in central and southwestern Nebraska. All good works that we wouldn’t be able to accomplish without your prayers and support – and for that we thank you sincerely!
