If a neighbor came to you and asked for a small favor, you’d likely be inclined to say “yes.”
Studies show, time and time again, Americans are very generous when it comes to helping out someone we know and someone in need. But what happens if you don’t know that your neighbor needs a favor?
Whether it’s due to a job loss, reduced work hours, a health issue, or just the increasing cost of everything, people often find themselves in need of a hand but may be too embarrassed to ask for help. They come to Catholic Charities programs, like our food pantries and soup kitchens, looking for a way to quietly, respectfully, get some help. Catholic Charities is there to help and serve our neighbors with dignity and respect, regardless of faith, lifestyle, or race.
Food is a major issue for a family that is quietly struggling, and that’s why we look to community for help this time of year. Your gifts help people in your towns and cities who need a hand.
Catholic Charities is committed to addressing the hunger problem for all people through programs like “Feeding Our Neighbors.” This program kicks off in late January, when feeding programs (soup kitchens, food pantries) are approaching their lowest food levels. Here in the Capital District, especially in urban areas, poverty levels exceed 25 percent and are even higher for families. Those who are hurt most by hunger are children and the elderly.
Catholic Charities operates or participates in dozens of food pantries and programs across the greater Capital District. Those who come to Catholic Charities find an open door and a helping hand, no strings attached – Catholic Charities has been helping the poor in our area for nearly 100 years.
Catholic Charities needs your help to make sure people in our community don’t go to bed hungry. Feeding Our Neighbors is a statewide campaign to raise funds and awareness about hunger. Thanks to partnerships with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, we can stretch each dollar that is donated to help the greatest number of people. We can assist people with basic needs so that they can focus on improving their situation, without worrying about what they’ll eat for dinner each night or what they’ll give their children for breakfast the next day. You may not see the face of hunger each day, but I can assure you it’s in your neighborhood and each one of us has the opportunity to help our neighbors in need.
Vincent W. Colonno is CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. For more information on Feeding our Neighbors, visit www.ccrcda.org or call Catholic Charities at (518) 453-6650.