By Michelle Samartino | The Michigan Catholic
Capuchins, Knights and others seek generous Catholics’ time, talent and treasure
DETROIT — A coat that keeps a young child warm during cold winter days or the smells of a good meal that waft throughout a soup kitchen could not be possible without the help of those who are willing to give.
It can be through someone’s time by volunteering, money by donating or talent in aiding, but all have a common thread in giving back.
“All we have — including life itself — is a gift from God,” said Fr. Jerry Smith, OFM Cap., executive director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. “Let those of us who have received in such abundance open our hearts and freely give to those in less fortunate circumstances.”
The ministry of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph began in Detroit in 1883. Then, it was common to see the friars traveling via horse and buggy to parishioners as far away as Roseville, which was a day’s travel.
Today, it serves up to 2,000 meals a day from the generosity of those who give back.
“At Christmas and always, we are in need of cash and food donations, including turkeys, hams, and nonperishable food,” Fr. Smith said.
Besides food, volunteers are also direly needed. “We also rely on volunteers to tutor children, pack food boxes, sort clothing, and help prepare and serve meals.
“We would especially like to encourage people, though, to offer the gift of companionship and time by simply coming to one of our kitchens, sitting down and eating with our guests,” he said. “I would be happy to speak anyone desiring to do so.”
The Knights help those both globally and locally, with members worldwide numbering 1.8 million. In Michigan are 69,000 members with 400 councils. In the past year, the Knights have donated $158 million nationwide to charity, along with 70 millions hours of time toward charitable works throughout the world.
Yekulis noted the relief work after Hurricane Sandy: “The K of C, in the first week, donated $100,000 to share with the two state councils of New Jersey and New York. As of today, that figure is up to $325,000 that has been donated to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
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“It was great to see so many people coming through from all over country,” he said.
The Knights also have a Coats for Kids program. For every $200 donated, 12 coats are given to children in need. The Knights of Columbus have distributed more than 70,000 coats to kids throughout the United States and Canada since 2009.
The Knights are also known for their support of vocations in the Church, as well as of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and their support of Right to Life is also a large part of their mission. “We support Right to life and Right to Life of Michigan … and Michigan’s pregnancy resource centers,” he said.
Supporting Holy Cross Children’s Services, formerly known as Boysville, has also been an important part of the mission of the Michigan Knights when it began under Cardinal Edward Mooney in 1948. The Knights’ support also extends to the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, which aids children and adults with developmental disabilities. The center recently reached a milestone of $1 million in fundraising through Chelsea Community Hospital, Yekulis said.
“Giving is a part of our Catholic faith,” he stressed. “Giving is what our organization is all about. We are not living our faith if we are not going out and serving and helping others.
“This is what the spirit of giving is all about, by fulfilling the mission that Christ has given to us.”
Michelle Samartino is a freelance writer from Rochester.
