By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings
It’s that time of year again—the air is cooling, leaves are beginning to change, and farmers are preparing for harvest. Harvest is a season of gratitude, when labor bears fruit and abundance is shared with family, friends, and neighbors. That same spirit of harvest is what we look forward to celebrating at our annual banquet, Bountiful Harvest.
Bountiful Harvest is a long-standing tradition at Catholic Social Services and is well known in the Hastings community. This year, we will gather once again at the Hastings Auditorium Oct. 12 to reflect on the past year and celebrate the Lord’s abundant goodness and the work He has done through CSS. Guests will enjoy a lovely catered meal, a client impact video, a live auction, and a presentation from our new director, Jonathan Kiehl.
Jonathan will share about his family’s 13 years serving as missionaries in South America, and how their ministry among the poor connects directly to the work happening here in Hastings—work that fulfills our mission “to perform the works of mercy in response to the call of God.”
One person who understands that mission deeply is this year’s Love of Christ Award recipient, Lanetta Kellogg. This award, given annually at Bountiful Harvest, honors someone who embodies the mission of CSS and exemplifies the Love of Christ in their service.
Lanetta has been a faithful volunteer at Hastings CSS since she retired in 2010. Encouraged by her pastor to get involved, she felt called to serve. As a former pastor’s wife before her first husband passed away, she said service has always been “part of her heart.” And she has lived that out fully—whether sewing quilts and knitting baby sweaters for those in need, or caring for her family back in Kansas where she grew up.
When I asked Lanetta what keeps her coming back week after week, her answer brought me to tears “We are doing God’s work. The Bible says feed the hungry, and we are doing more than just that. People have lots of needs. I have been there myself. I remember having my husband and two kids at home and just one can of tomato soup and crackers in the cupboard. After he passed, I was on my own with two boys to raise, rent, groceries… my car was out of gas and I needed to get to work. I opened the mail that day and a dear friend had sent me a $5 bill. That really showed me that God provides.”
It’s no surprise that Lanetta’s life experiences have shaped her deep compassion for others. She grew up on a farm, lost her mother at just 16, and shouldered many responsibilities at home. Later, as a mother herself, she worked as a caseworker for the Department of Health and Human Services—work that requires immense patience, empathy, and strength. Now, even in retirement, Lanetta continues to pour herself into helping others. As she put it, “I want to help people any way I can, while I can!”
At CSS, Lanetta feeds the hungry by making sandwiches for the sack lunches we hand out daily to anyone who comes to our door. She also devotes many hours to our food pantry, organizing shelves and preparing boxes of groceries for families in need. Yet beyond her practical contributions, our staff agrees her greatest gift is her presence. With her quick wit, joyful spirit, and infectious laugh, Lanetta brightens every room she enters.
When our team met to discuss this year’s Love of Christ Award, the decision was unanimous—Lanetta embodies it perfectly. When asked what advice she would give to someone considering volunteering, she replied: “Volunteering is not a job, it is a gift! I am blessed because I do it.”
Lanetta, we at CSS would say the same of you: we are deeply blessed by your wisdom, your stories, and your heart. Your faithful service inspires hope, joy, and love for all who cross your path. You truly do have a heart like Christ’s!
We invite you to join us for Bountiful Harvest to meet Lanetta in person and celebrate with us! Together, let’s give thanks for the harvest of blessings God has provided CSS through people like her. Visit csshope.org/bh2025 for registration information.
“They sowed fields and planted vineyards, brought in an abundant harvest." - Psalm 107:37
