by Katie Patrick
Thank you, Jesus!
These are the words that always precede the sales update that I receive each Monday morning from Mark Main, our Thrift Store Manager in Lincoln. In fact, even before he gets to the numbers, after he gives thanks to God, he praises his thrift store staff, volunteers, donors, and customers. Only then will he go into the sales of the previous week breaking it down by item category.
The store is doing very well, as are the thrift stores in Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial. Across the diocese, we receive great donations. We have an awesome team of employees and volunteers, and we’re inspired to work and serve everyone who comes through our doors because we are Catholic. But at CSS, profit isn’t our bottom line—people are. This, my friends, makes the numbers all the more worth it.
In Imperial, our staff connected with a young mother whose husband was in the hospital for surgery. Upon leaving, they had no wheelchair and were short on food and personal care items. Our staff went to a local pharmacy and explained the situation. The pharmacy in turn offered the wheelchair rental at no cost to the family.
It’s a tremendous gift for us to be the hand that invites others to give! Like when St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City donated medical grade recliners from their hospital rooms when they remodeled. Since then, several have been given to clients in southeast Nebraska.
In Auburn, a young father was recently diagnosed with a serious health condition. His wife must care for him and the children 24 hours a day and we are doing our best to take care of them. In addition to gift cards, food, and personal care items, the family has received household items and toys for the kids from St. Francis Gift and Thrift.
In Lincoln, one of our homeless clients asked us for help buying a bus ticket to get to his sister’s funeral. He also didn’t have any nice clothes to wear so we offered him a gift card to St. Louise Gift & Thrift. He was able to select and purchase a nice suit and a tie to wear. He was so thankful for everything. Many of the people who come in for assistance have been wearing the same clothes for weeks. So when they are able to pick out their own clean clothes to wear they are so thankful.
My staff and I want to thank you for helping us perform the Works of Mercy. We ask that you continue to pray for us and for all those we serve—and please pray for those who serve us, especially our donors and community partners. Our mission is only achieved when all are present, when all are appreciated, and when all are loved.
Thank you and may God bless you!
