By Katie Patrick
What started as a routine trip to drop off recycled clothing turned into a powerful encounter with someone in need—and a reminder of how God works through everyday moments.
Just as he did each month, Bill Sullivan—manager of St. Isidore Gift and Thrift in Imperial—traveled to McCook to deliver recycled clothing to a CSS truck coming from our Hastings office.
Catholic Social Services recycles unwanted clothing from our own thrift stores, as well as Bargain Bazaar in McCook and other thrift stores in small towns across the diocese.
Needing zip ties for the clothing bags, Bill stopped by ACE Hardware in McCook. The clerk recognized Bill and asked about our furniture donation program, in which we receive gently used and unwanted furniture and deliver it to families in need in the area. The clerk and her siblings were cleaning their parents’ home and wanted to make a donation. Bill provided her the details of items needed and how to schedule a pickup.
As Bill was about to leave, the clerk turned to him and said, “I have a coworker living in his car—the yellow one out there.”
The store manager at ACE allows the worker to leave the car there, and to use the facilities. A coworker reported that the man recently remarked he was down to his last dollar.
Even though our thrift store in Imperial was short-handed that day, Bill thought to himself, “It’s already over 90 degrees, and I knew the Holy Spirit wasn’t letting me out of this one.”
Bill hurried to Jennifer Hinze, CSS’s family support specialist for McCook and surrounding areas. She and Bill discussed the situation and her awareness of the gentleman and his health condition. The man’s car no longer worked, and the local grocery store was too far a walk for him. Jennifer was able to get him a gift certificate to a nearby Mexican deli. Bill returned to the man living in his car, gave him the gift certificate, and encouraged him to meet with Jennifer in person so that CSS could continue to help him.
Bill said no matter how many times the gentleman expressed his gratitude, he always pointed back to the coworkers who cared about him.
A week later, Jennifer was able to meet with the gentleman, who was desperate to get back into a low-income rental that he could afford – not easy in a town the size of McCook, but Jennifer was able to help him secure a place within eight blocks of his job at ACE—walking distance. CSS was able to help with his utility deposit. The client was so happy to have a roof over his head and a place to bathe.
Bill recently reflected, “This encounter was so much a God thing. It all started with red zip ties and led to so many things way too close to each other to be a coincidence. I left this gentleman and him being thankful for the financial help, but I could tell he really felt wonderful that he had so many who cared for him.”
Today, Jennifer said, each time she goes to ACE Hardware, the employees ask her if she was the one helping their friend. They were grateful that assistance was available to get him back on his feet.
It’s a privilege for CSS to serve all those in need across southern Nebraska. If you live in McCook or southwest Nebraska, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To refer a family member, friend, or neighbor, contact Jennifer Hinze at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (531) 484-3566. You can also visit csshope.org/imperial to learn more about our programs and services.
