The Big Easy

Details: 20 May 2011

Recently a not-so-young man needed help getting to one of our offices in the diocese for help. He was fortunate enough to have a friend who was kind enough to give him a ride. Once inside, he inquired whether we had a box spring for his mattress. Usually, it’s the other way around. Most of the time individuals need either a mattress or a mattress or box spring as a set. I cannot ever remember anyone coming in requesting only a box spring. I guess there is a first time for everything. Apparently, the springs sprung and he was on a mission for new springs in spring.

Once inside our office he was quite pleased we had one we could give him. Since the case worker who was helping him heard from one of our warehouse specialists that a nice big easy chair was picked up at some generous person’s home she asked, "Are you in need of a big easy chair? We just picked one up, and if you would like, we can give it to you as well." To this he clapped his hands and was filled with joy as he told us he was in need of one of those as well.

As she filled out the furniture voucher, while explaining the options for getting his new big easy chair home, she gave them the address and explained where the warehouse was. After leaving the office, they thought they would take a chance and drive by. Sure enough, one of our warehouse specialists was their working away.

After stopping and producing the said voucher, within minutes, the big easy (chair!) was loaded into the van and the box spring was tied and secured to the roof. After returning home our emergency services specialist who helped him received a phone call from a thankful and happy man who relayed his gratitude, for not only did he get what he asked for but a big, beautiful, and comfortable easy chair. I got the impression from talking to her that he had won the lottery.

This is just one more example illustrating the importance of material donations in addition to the all important financial ones. In addition to using donated funds to pay rent, utilities, medical expenses, grants for counseling and other things that fall under emergency services, it would be cost prohibitive to buy new furniture, appliances, household items, vehicles etc. for needy individuals and families. I love saying that we will take almost anything that is in good working order, including big easy chairs!

What a good lesson for us all. Isn’t it easy taking the blessings we have for granted? Let us be even more thankful for our Catholic faith, which was founded on the apostles by Jesus Christ Himself, which has been handed down to us through the centuries. Let us also be most thankful for the seven sacraments, those founts of grace, most especially the Blessed Sacrament which St. Ignatius of Antioch called, "the medicine of immortality." Our prayer at Catholic Social Services is that you and your family continue to have a blessed Easter Season as we continue to keep you in our daily prayers. Thanks for your support!!