Never Forgotten

Details: 25 May 2012

At our recent Catholic Social Services’ furniture and appliance drive, an older couple stopped by to drop off their donation. In addition to thanking donors who stop by I usually ask, "How did you hear about our drive?" The answers vary from, "I saw the bulletin insert," or "I read it in the Southern Nebraska Register," or "I heard it on the radio," or even, "My wife told me about it!" Thank you Mrs. McShmearshmach!

This time, the answer was different. The husband explained that after losing their home to a fire, because of our affordable prices, they were able to refurnish their new home by purchasing furniture at the St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store. He further explained that they have never forgotten how helpful we were during this critical time in their lives. Donating material items at our furniture and appliance drives is a way he and his wife can ‘give back,’ knowing that it will benefit others like themselves. After their donations were off loaded, they happily drove off.

I love to tell our patrons that material items around the home are either directly given to poor and needy families, or sold at reduced and affordable prices in one of our four thrift stores, and the profits used to fund our many social and clinical programs. When an individual or family needs help with their rent to avoid homelessness, utilities to avoid a shut off, or a grant for counseling because they are un-insured or under-insured, this is one way of generating funds for these purposes.

During this latest effort, some benefactors who stopped by asked, "What will you be doing with these donations?" In addition to a general, "To help individuals and families in need," I explained to several that next week, we will be furnishing the apartments of several single women with children who will be transitioning out of St. Gianna’s to a permanent and safe environment. By far, the majority of ladies who come to us with their children do so with little more than the clothes on their backs. When it is time to leave St. Gianna’s, it is not possible for them to purchase furniture.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many donors who contributed to this latest drive, our staff, and of course our many volunteers who helped in this latest endeavor. Without these volunteers, we would not have been able to pull it off. I am grateful to Almighty God for the more than one semi-trailer full if items collected.

Please be reminded that since this latest truckload of items will be gone in short order, please consider donating any unneeded items around the house or farm not needed (including vehicles!). You can either donate them to one of our four thrift stores, St. Francis Gift & Thrift in Auburn (402-274-4818), St. Joseph Gift & Thrift Store in Hastings (402-463-2151), St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Store in Imperial (308-882-3065), or St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store in Lincoln (402-474-1600), or call for a pick-up. Please know that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers!