One Thing Leads to Another

Details: 02 March 2012

Recently, a priest in the diocese donated an old pickup truck with a shell topper. He said it was a good runner but nothing to look at. On initial inspection, other than some obvious rust, it was in desperate need of front tires.

Our St. Christopher Vehicle donation program is one of our most important. Vehicles donated are either given away to poor and needy individuals and families, placed into our fleet and used to take clients to needed appointments or used to pick up and deliver items, or they are sold and the profits used to fund our emergency services, or used for grants for counseling for persons who are uninsured or underinsured.

Literally hours after being handed the title of the above-mentioned pickup truck, another priest asked me if we had a vehicle for a poor family he knew, as the dad needed transportation to his place of employment. I immediately thought of the just-donated pickup truck, but did not want to give it away with balding front tires. I also didn’t know for sure how it ran, so I gave my secretary a mission. "Pat, can you take her for a spin and if she runs well, find some inexpensive, safe tires?"

While driving the truck around she stopped at a nearby mechanic and asked, "Where can I find some inexpensive tires for this truck we will be giving away?" He promptly gave her directions to one of the places he deals with and said, "Tell ‘em I sent you!"

As one thing leads to another, she soon was face to face with the owner of the tire shop and said, "Can you fix me up with two tires? We are giving this truck away to a family in need." And by the way, we are a non-profit organization!" In discussion he said, $35 "for each tire, not including mounting, balancing and labor." But then it seemes as though a light bulb then went on inside his head and he asked, "Are you from that Catholic place?" "Yes," Pat replied. "Well then, how about $50 for everything?"

As it turns out, the owner was resettled as a refugee 15 years ago, and has never forgotten Catholic Social Services. He went on to say how appreciative he was of our help and of his desire to pay back that generosity, coupled with his desire to help others in need.

As Pat started to leave, one of the employees said, "Can you help me?" He was a man who recently moved here from the west coast and was in need of some clothing. He had an expired clothing voucher from another thrift store in town but because of the last snow storm, he missed the cut-off date. Before the end of the day, he obtained the needed clothes and happily left on foot to his friend’s home in which he was told he could stay temporarily. We are also helping him find an affordable apartment.

Even though one thing always leads to another, it always begins with love. That is why people donate money and material items to us. They love Jesus who lives in the poor and needy. This is why the owner of the tire store gave us a sweetheart deal.

I would like to thank all of our benefactors who support us spiritually with your prayers and penances, materially with donated items around the house not needed, including vehicles and money according to your means. Please remember that you, your families and intentions are in our prayers!