By Levi Baus,
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln
“O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and still more wonderfully restored it, grant, we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”
— Collect for Mass during the Day, the Solemnity of Christmas
This quote resounds the glorious goodness of our Lord. He dignified us, and, in turn, we are called to see the dignity of our neighbors: our family and our friends, and the stranger, unwelcome, lonely, homeless, and needy among us. The upcoming holidays, those wonderful holy days leading up to and following the great mystery of the Incarnation, give us such a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Lord’s goodness and to be people of good will. We have many opportunities to inspire hope and love in the “Good Life,” and so we invite you to participate in the Works of Mercy alongside Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.
Each of the four communities and regions around Imperial, Hastings, Lincoln, and Auburn benefit from your support. Our donors and volunteers provide such incredible support to make our work possible. Thank you for your continued support!
There are several ways to get involved in your area, including: Adopt a Family; gift cards and cash donations; Food Market items; personal care items; and volunteering.
Adopt a Family
So many families struggle to make ends meet and provide for their family’s basic necessities, and give gifts. The available families to adopt are existing CSS clients, along with families of incarcerated men and women through our collaboration with RISE, an organization that works to break generational cycles of incarceration.
One family for this year – like many families – has some clothing sizes for their children and a few toys, while the parents only hope to give their children some nice items and don’t expect anything for themselves. Gift lists are accompanied by some wish list items which are reserved for larger-priced items, outings, experiences, family trips, or gift cards.
When you are shopping, please keep in mind our St. Louise Gift and Thrift Store and our online stores. If you are interested in delivering gifts to families, we also have days during the week of Dec. 16 to deliver gifts, offer a quick word, and celebrate the upcoming wonder of the Octave of Christmas.
Gift cards and cash donations
Our homeless and walk-in clients, along with other families, benefit year-round from all your generous donations of cash and gift cards. Whether a family is in need of rent, utilities, basic items, personal care items, or furniture, our staff offers gift cards or provides monetary assistance for those in need.
Food Market items
We are in need of our monthly most-needed items and we welcome you to participate in providing food for more than 600 families each month.
Personal care items
Homeless Outreach Coordinator Alexis Brouillette will provide items for our homeless clients who walk into our office here in Lincoln, or when she accompanies volunteers on street walks. When we see the Lord’s face in the homeless and needy, we extend them a generous hand, a willing ear, and a receptive spirit.
Volunteering
Whether purchasing gifts or delivering them as Christmas draws nearer, or if you would be interested in helping in any of our programs and services here, please fill out a volunteer application and learn about how you can join in our mission and make our vision come to life.
The Incarnation of our Lord invites us to embody the charity which He gave so that we may live fully as sons and daughters of the Father for Him and our neighbors. Join us in our efforts by scanning the QR code below or visiting csshope.org/holidaygiving to learn more about the needs of the poor and how you can help in your area.
