Tears and Oil

Details: 05 November 2010

In the prayers of the faithful across our diocese we pray frequently for farmers, ranchers and those who raise livestock. We must never forget to pray for their safety, for theirs is a dangerous profession.

Recently a father of a large family was injured while working on a farm. Until he heals he will be unable to earn a living so the family can pay its bills including rent and utilities. While assessing their needs we discovered they owned one vehicle with high miles. Since their eldest child had started college, they were in desperate need of a second car. Because of our generous benefactors, in addition to helping them with their rent and utilities, we were able to give them a car. I do not believe they mind the minor cosmetic imperfections of their new vehicle because she runs like a top and mechanically is in great shape.

Also recently we came across another young family with financial difficulties. The father of the family was considering quitting trade school even though he needed only a few more months to complete his degree. With this specific degree, his prospects for finding a good paying job are excellent. This is needed to support the family and eliminate their debt. The only thing needed to continue his studies was a car. I am also elated to say that because of a generous donor, we were able to give them a good, running, used vehicle. They did not mind at all the faded paint since the engine purred like a kitty!

There is nothing quite like giving a car away. They might as well be new, seeing the look on the faces of those who drive them off one of our lots. Who says tears and oil do not mix or go together? They sure do when someone in need is given a car or truck.

I was overjoyed once again last night, after talking to an elderly woman who invited me to her home to look at her vehicle. She told me that since she is now homebound, she wants to donate her car to us. When I visit her in person, I will tell her that when we accept a donated car, it is either given away to an individual or family, sold and the profits used to directly help the needy, or placed in our fleet for agency use. Every day, one of our staff uses an agency vehicle to pick up and take clients to their doctor or other appointments, pick up food, bread or other items that are donated to us, or drive to one of our satellite clinical offices where they meet with clients in need of counseling. Those who donate vehicles to us can deduct this from their taxes while making a deposit in their retirement account in heaven.

I would like to thank all of our generous benefactors who have donated vehicles to us through the years and encourage others to donate to us their car or truck that they do not need or are considering replacing. Please remember that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers as we regularly pray for you every morning at 8:30. St. Christopher, pray for us!