Catholic Charities volunteers show their love

By Laura Fuller

Love is not only something we feel. It is something we do. Each day at Catholic Charities, our volunteers put love into action through their hands and hearts. 

Catholic Charities relies on the helping hands of volunteers across many of its programs. These caring individuals offer support, guidance, and compassion to assist in our day-to-day operations, providing vital sustainability so that, together, we can help meet the basic needs of our neighbors, uphold dignity, and inspire hope. 

Last year, more than 200 volunteers generously shared their talents, contributing 12,999 hours of service. They offered clerical support, prepared meals, organized donations, assisted with donation pickups, provided childcare, shopped alongside pantry patrons, stocked shelves, and more. Their presence allows our trained staff to remain on the front lines, walking closely with individuals and families facing difficult situations. 

At its heart, volunteering is an act of stewardship. Stewardship is often associated with financial giving, but it is much more. It recognizes that all we have is a gift from God – entrusted to us for the good of others – and gives back in gratitude. Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

We see that love in the:

• Volunteer who takes time to listen to someone who feels alone; 

• Family that spends a Saturday morning serving a meal together; or

• Individual who quietly stocks shelves so others can shop with dignity. 

These moments may seem small, but they are powerful reminders that love is alive and active in our community. 

No one needs to look far to practice stewardship in his or her own life. As a family, it can be as simple as setting aside time to serve together, donating items, checking on a neighbor, or offering your skills to a local organization. Each act, no matter how small, reflects care for one another and gratitude for the gifts we have been given. 

During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we give thanks for all our volunteers. Your generosity strengthens our mission and brings hope to countless lives. 

For more information about volunteering at Catholic Charities, visit CatholicCharitiesWichita.org/volunteer.

Laura Fuller is Director of Marketing and Communications for Catholic Charities Wichita.