Letter: Charity is reaching a critical point

While we go on about our daily lives, the construction of homeless facilities at St. Vincent Plaza continues unabated. Ever increasing numbers of homeless and poor flock to Catholic Charities Social Services, Immigration Services, the dining room, the overnight shelter and the many other programs provided for them. The staff struggles to continue under the overwhelming load.

There is a serious problem with this picture. While the needs multiply, the amount of donations of usable items for the social programs, including beds, linen, towels, dishes, kitchen utensils, household furniture and appliances, has dropped dramatically in the past several months.

More and more families need to be set up in living quarters and provided with the minimum necessities to carry on their lives.

The donations to the Catholic Charities Thrift Stores have also fallen off dramatically, and revenues from these stores are crucial to financing the 20-plus programs operated under the umbrella of Catholic Charities.

Please assess your situation and your ability to give in whatever way possible, whether it be donations of cash or simply checking your household and storage areas for items which are good but are no longer of use to you in your daily life.

Items can be dropped off at the Catholic Charities Store at 808 S. Main St. or at 1501 Las Vegas Blvd. North. For large donations and heavy items such as furniture, call for pickup at 382-9781. Good Samaritans are greatly needed. No experience necessary. Thank you.

EVIE KINNEY

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