Elizabeth Kuenstler

FCS 4840

Project LINK

1  1.      I volunteered on May 31 at Catholic Charities in Mattoon, IL.

2  2.      Volunteering at the Catholic Charities reflected concepts learned in many FCS courses.  Some of the concepts would be helping people that are in poverty, homeless, or disabled.  Catholic Charities also gives to those that need food.  They put boxes together that will get a family through two to three days.  The size of the family depends on how much food the family gets.  They help people that have disabilities by providing them with walkers, wheelchairs, or even commodes.  The course FCS 4840 focuses on family and individuals that are disadvantaged.  The Catholic Charities is focused on helping those families and individuals that are disadvantaged.  While volunteering I was able to organize racks of dresses for girls that are not able to buy new prom dresses.  I felt great being able to get all of these dresses ready for girls to go to a fun occasion like prom or a wedding.  I know that it is stressful and discouraging when you have a fancy occasion coming up, but you don’t have to the money for a dress so it meant a lot to be able to help in that way at Catholic Charities.

3  3.     While I volunteered my time at Catholic Charities I was introduced to many of the main employees and volunteers.  Catholic Charities depends so much on volunteers because they do not have the money to hire more employees.  The two main people that I spent time with were the director and the manager.  They both were very busy and always on the move.  I could tell that they were very passionate about their jobs and helping those in need.  Knowing that they helped the most they could and all of organizations money went to those who need help, made me excited about being there and making a difference.  I gained the knowledge of how much time and money goes into helping people.  I also learned that by just helping for two hours people really appreciate your time.  Every little bit counts when it comes to volunteering and giving donations.  Catholic Charities would not be able to keep running if they did not have people volunteering and giving donations. 

4  4.      Catholic Charities has a big effect on the Mattoon community and surrounding area.  All donations go to helping people that are disadvantaged.  The organization has many ways of providing services to those who need it.  They have vouches that they give out to people.  They can use vouchers for baby formula or even for children that are disadvantaged in schools to get clothes.  Another service that they do for babies is that they put together a baby tub full of new items and clothes to give to the mother.  The manager said that they believe that every new baby deserves some new items.  Another great service that they provide are food baskets.  They put food in boxes that has enough for at least 2 days.  How much food they get depends on a person’s family size.  To get money to buy some of the products that they don’t get donated they sell items in their store for very cheap and they also sell items on Ebay.  Catholic Charities give back so much to the community and is a great organizations for families that need help. 

5  5.      I really enjoyed doing this assignment.  It made me feel good helping others.  Catholic Charities is great place that helps so many people in many different ways.  I hope that I will be able to volunteer there more.  They told me about a great back to school program where they prepare backpacks for children that are disadvantaged.  I hope that I will be able to help out with that program.  I think that it will be great for the children that need help.  By doing this assignment I saw how important it is to volunteer.  Many non-profit organizations depend fully on volunteers.  They can’t keep their programs going without the help of volunteers and donations.