Annual April groups across the country mark National Volunteer Month and the invaluable contributions of volunteers who help those in need without expecting anything in return.
Every day in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, men, women and children give their time and talents to strengthen the Church’s works of charity and mercy. They do this work with joy and willingness.
At Don Guanella and the Community of Divine Providence (DGDP), about 27 young people recently spent the day participating in games and activities with the residents. DGDP is the Catholic Department of Social Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), serving men and women with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The April 15 service opportunity was part of the Young Adult Day of Giving. This is the first collaboration between CSS, the Archdiocese’s Office of Young Adult Ministries, and the Catholic Charities Appeal.
SSJ’s Susan Lindinger, the program’s volunteer coordinator, says that volunteering, especially with DGDP residents, “makes a difference not only in their lives, but in themselves as well.”
“Volunteering in DGDP is immense. Noticing simple acts of kindness and goodness [can] Brings a lot of joy and smiles to our men and women. “
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many charitable programs and ministries within the Archdiocese, serving important partners in their mission.
Since her retirement, Thelma Mintz has volunteered more than 625 hours at the Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS) St. Edmund Senior Community Center in South Philadelphia. Thelma handles her front desk, assists with the kitchen, distributes food, and sits on advisory boards.
Thelma, a retired school board member who worked with children with special needs, said she loved her job because she felt needed and helpful. Now she finds the same joy in her volunteer work with CHCS.
CHCS Director Heather Huot said: “Their dedication to service enhances our ability to engage our members in many social and recreational activities.”
In Norristown, a team of over 150 volunteers supports the mission of Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm to build communities through access to healthy food. This site is the largest food pantry in Montgomery County.
Similarly, the Archdiocese’s agency, Nutrition Development Services (NDS), volunteers to provide food and related resources to those in need and to expand the reach of hunger relief efforts throughout the five county metropolitan areas. depends on
NDS executive director Lizanne Hagedorn said volunteers not only provide physical support to the agency with their time and knowledge, but they share their charisma with everyone.
“The value of the volunteers who work with us cannot be measured enough.”
Many volunteers say they receive more than they give through their service.
Jesse Finalle-Newton says his favorite thing about volunteering with NDS is the “gratification you get from knowing you’re making a positive impact here in Philadelphia.”
“NDS is an amazing organization that works tirelessly to provide nutritional support to children and families in need.”
Jill Duink, a volunteer at CSS’s Mercy Hospice, helps check in residents and organize donations and files. Interacting with her staff and residents is Jill’s favorite part of volunteering.
Amy Stoner, CSS Director of Community-Based and Housing and Homeless, said:
A list of volunteer opportunities can be found by visiting https://cssphiladelphia.org/volunteer/.
Stoner said the presence of volunteers and support for all programs will allow the Archdiocese to continue fulfilling its mission of serving those most in need.
“Our volunteers don’t just bless those they meet, they truly serve as the hands and feet of Christ.”
