Things We Take for Granted

Details: 05 October 2012

Early one morning, while entering the side door of our St. Joseph Center, I noticed a homeless man standing outside our main entrance. He had just asked a police officer where to go for help and was told, "Catholic Social Services!"

After seeing me enter the side door, he immediately followed and started knocking. After exchanging our ‘Good mornings,’ he relayed his story. He was cold and hungry. Luckily we had a few sandwiches left over from the previous day. Within minutes he was enjoying a turkey sub with a Power-ade chaser and a brownie for dessert.

He was on his way to Iowa via Omaha and needed some warm clothing. He was only wearing a skimpy windbreaker and to prove the point, he pulled it up and exclaimed, "See, I don’t even have a regular shirt or t-shirt! Do you have anything I can wear under this jacket?" As I left for the thrift store he said, "How about some gloves?" At that point the sandwich was almost completely consumed.

I soon returned with a t-shirt, sweatshirt, a heavier waterproof hooded jacket, wool hat, gloves, scarf and a Huskers backpack. He was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. He quickly changed into his new threads (luckily since it was before opening, there was no one in the lobby), packed his new belongings in his backpack and went on his way.

I was reminded once again how important material donations are in our mission of loving Jesus who lives in the poor and needy. Because of the donated food and clothing I was able to help him. There are many reasons why someone may be homeless but the common denominator is that they all need our love and assistance.

Since the weather is going to get colder, this is a great time to ask our benefactors across southern Nebraska to consider donating your unneeded sweatshirts, sweaters, thermal underwear, warm socks, scarfs, gloves, boots, hats, hooded jackets and winter coats… the very things we are tempted to take for granted. Now that the weather is changing, those in need are starting to come to us asking for these items. We need them across the entire diocese, for our charity knows no boundaries. We truly help needy individuals young and old and families throughout our diocese.

I am happy to announce that some of you have contacted me about helping expand our sandwich program here in Lincoln. Based on the successes in Hastings, we are confident that it will work in Lincoln. Before proceeding, we need several more volunteers for this sorely needed program. I would encourage anyone who might be reading this to pray if God is calling you to volunteer at Catholic Social Services. In addition to this new program, we have many other volunteer opportunities in Auburn, Hastings, Imperial, and Lincoln. Not only are our volunteers the backbone of our agency, without them, we would not be able to do many of the things we currently do.

Please know that every morning not only do we pray for our clients and benefactors, but our many dedicated volunteers as well. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you all. Please know you have a special place in my heart and in my prayers!