By Halle Beranek, Parish and Community Outreach Coordinator
Poverty doesn’t only exist between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Even when Catholic Charities staff offer flexible hours, there are still times after the office closes when those in poverty need assistance. What happens then?
Our volunteers make up the difference, providing services when we cannot. While financial donors provide the essential life force to employ staff and purchase necessary materials — such as our Hope in Hand bags and Financial Health Services’ “The Small Book for Family Finances” — volunteers donate their time and help extend the organization’s impact beyond office hours.
Volunteers make it possible for our organization to provide comprehensive services, including citizenship and English tutoring, adoption client mentoring, and assembling financial health education booklets. Volunteers come from all ages and walks of life. St. Norbert College students and retirees work side by side, donating their talents.
The impact of this volunteer service is tremendous. In the past year alone, volunteer hours equated to $21,650 in donated value to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. Volunteers see exactly where their donations are going and the effect their service has on others.
While monetary donations remain essential, especially in times of economic uncertainty, donated time stretches organizational capacity to reach more people and build relationships with clients rather than faceless services. During out-of-office times, volunteers bridge the gap between limited services and limitless possibilities for our community.
Interested in fighting poverty after hours? Contact us today to learn more. Volunteer | Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay