Expecting the Unexpected

Details: 21 October 2011

Over the years, we at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska have learned to expect the unexpected. From small donations to large, from individuals young and old, God continues to inspire generous people of southern Nebraska to assist us in our mission of loving Jesus in the poor and needy (Mt 25:31-46).

When it comes to our food pantries, we are usually low during the summer and early fall months. This is understandable because donating food is easier to remember during the Advent, Christmas and Lenten seasons. I would like to thank all of our individual donors who have helped our pantries over these lean summer and early fall days. If not for all of you, we would have had to suspend giving food away to those who are in need.

Recently, an anonymous donor called and informed us that they had sent a check for $10,000 to Market Place IGA for food for our pantries. All that was necessary was to call and inform them what items we needed for delivery! In a few short days, we unloaded a semi-trailer full of food and essential paper products such as toilet paper. This was the ‘shot in the arm’ we needed to get us to the Advent and Christmas seasons. This was an answer to many of our prayers.

I would like to thank this generous soul for this tremendous gift and all our other donors who make what we do possible. Every year, we assist more than 20,000 individuals (23,000 last year) in a number of ways, including food. Thank you to all of our donors, large and small. In addition to these large gifts, there are countless other smaller donors, who send us money on a monthly basis. These smaller monthly donations add up quickly and are the backbone of our agency. We couldn’t exist without them as well. We are most grateful for them all.

Please know that we at Catholic Social Services of southern Nebraska will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!