Help!

Details: 06 July 2012

Our fixed and mobile food pantries across the diocese benefit individuals of all ages and families of all sizes. Not too long ago, an elderly woman and her middle-aged daughter received food from Catholic Social Services. They both were in tears saying they literally did not know where their next meal was coming from.

Food comes to CSS a number of ways, including food donations and cash to purchase food. Our pantry shelves are always flush during the Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas seasons which gets us to the Lenten and Easter seasons in which we obtain another bolus. The tremendous response during the Lenten and Easter seasons gets us through to the summer. Every summer since I have been at CSS I have noticed that our pantry shelves are quite low, necessitating a plea or cry for help. During summer, since we are removed from the penitential seasons this is understandable. Just several days ago, I overheard our receptionist explain to a caller that our food donations have dropped… We can only distribute food on hand and live within our means….

I am excited to announce that we are now conducting our "Annual Emergency Summer Food Drive!" Right now, CSS is accepting items including pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, boxed dinners, spaghetti O’s, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, dry beans, instant potatoes, canned meats and tuna and toiletries.

You can bring your food donations to any of our offices in Auburn, Hastings, Imperial or Lincoln. Of course, cash donations are welcomed for those who are interested in helping and are unable to shop and drop off the needed items.

I would like to thank all of our benefactors who help poor and needy families by supporting CSS with their time, talent and treasure. Thank you also for those who will be responding to this latest need. Please know that we at Catholic Social Services pray for you daily. Please also know that I offer Masses for you and your intentions on a regular basis.

Remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink" (Mt 25:34-35).