By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings
One of my favorite days of the year is just around the corner—Give Hastings Day. It is a day that showcases our community’s generosity as neighbors come together to support local nonprofits and strengthen the place we all call home. Each year, I am amazed at what Hastings can accomplish in just 24 hours.
Catholic Social Services is excited to participate again this year on May 7, with all proceeds benefiting our Open Table Sack Lunch Program.
Open Table provides free sack lunches to an average of 100 people every day. With a “no questions asked” approach, we serve everyone with dignity, compassion, and care.
William is a familiar face at CSS, often stopping in for a sandwich through the Open Table program. I recently asked him why he comes for a sack lunch each day. He shared that he is homeless and needs support. Without family nearby, he relies on the Open Table program not only for nourishment but also for connection.
“This place is life-saving. The food is so helpful. It’s what keeps me alive. Where I come from, there are no services like this.”
William’s words were powerful because they reminded me that our work is about more than food, it is about providing hope and connection. He had never lived in a community where support like this was available. Our Open Table program helps sustain him daily.
To better perform the Works of Mercy, such as feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty, we recently moved into a new office space. This new building creates room for even deeper connection: a place where guests can sit, share coffee, and enjoy a meal together. It feels like a breath of fresh air to sit down with clients like William in our new lobby and hear their stories.
The capacity of our new office also allows us to expand services by offering hot, nutritious lunches such as casseroles or soups once a month. This is possible thanks to dedicated volunteers who help cook and serve. These hot meals bring even more neighbors in need to our doors and create opportunities for encounter and service.
Our volunteers live out this calling each day: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
Tim, one of our dedicated Open Table volunteers, has come to know many of our guests by name. When asked about his experience, he shared, “Clients range from people who are homeless to those who are just down on their luck, or older adults with lower incomes. I always try to be a light, if I can, you know, be positive, warm, welcoming, and above all, patient.”
Tim treats each person with care and dignity. These personal encounters are at the heart of our mission—not only to feed the hungry, but to see, know, and love them as Christ calls us to.
We could not perform these works of mercy without the people in our community who generously give their time, talents, and treasure. Many neighbors trust us in their hour of need, and because of your donations and prayers, we are able to lift them up physically, financially, and spiritually.
This Give Hastings Day, you too can perform the Works of Mercy alongside us. Your gift, no matter how big or small, helps nourish both body and spirit for neighbors like William. Together, we can continue feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and building a stronger community.
Although Give Hastings Day is May 7, there is no need to wait to make a gift. You can give now at csshope.org/GHD. If online giving is not your preference, gifts may be mailed or dropped off through May 6 at the Hastings Community Foundation. On May 7, donations can be brought to The Lark. Checks must be made payable to Hastings Community Foundation with “Catholic Social Services” in the memo line.
We, and our Hastings/Adams County neighbors in need, are deeply grateful for your continued support of “Nourishing Hope in the Good Life” through Give Hastings Day.
