THE LATEST UPDATES FROM

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF SOUTHERN NEBRASKA

These gifts to CSS help those in need during some of their most difficult moments.

I received this message a few weeks ago from one of our readers, and it helped me see the Holy Family in a new light this Advent. “May the comfort of our Blessed Mother be known to you all at CSS. She especially knows what it felt like to spend that first Christmas without toys, food, or shelter for her beloved Son...I imagine it was painful, yet God still called it a holy night.” 

May we continue to see and serve those around us with kindness and compassion, so that they, too—even in moments of hardship—may know a holy night.

Our mission at Catholic Social Services is to perform the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God. Some examples of those Works of Mercy include giving alms to the poor, comforting the sorrowful, and sheltering the homeless. These acts are lived out daily through our Emergency Services Closet—a small but resourceful room filled with personal care items and cleaning supplies that we offer to anyone in need.

Being able to provide daily essentials to individuals and families in crisis relieves burdens they may not have even realized they were carrying. If someone comes to us struggling to pay rent, we not only help meet that urgent need, but we also ask, “Would you like some toilet paper and shampoo too? What else do you need this month? We’ve got you.”

On average, CSS provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning supplies, and more to about 45 individuals each month. But the need in our community is far greater than what our closet can currently support. To help meet this growing demand, we launched a Personal Care Item Drive, inviting churches and community partners to help collect and replenish our shelves.

After speaking at mass at St. Cecilia’s parish in Hastings and inviting parishioners to participate in the Personal Care Item Drive, we were approached by Jeremy Hansen, Sr. Manager of Operations at Pacha Soap. He explained that Pahca Soap had high-quality products that they were unable to sell for various reasons, and he wanted to put them to good use. He said Pacha Soap could offer us items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap at no cost. What an incredible gift!! 

Pacha Soap’s mission is to handcraft naturally derived, artisanal products to delight the senses and enhance well-being, as well as to empower communities around the world with long-term, sustainable solutions. Sustainability is also a pillar of CSS—we strive to be good stewards of the environment and all God has entrusted to us. This partnership just made sense.

In September, Pacha donated two boxes each of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, liquid hand soap, lip balm, and lotion. As needs arise, they’ve committed to continuing this support. Their generosity allows us to better meet the increasing needs of the individuals and families we serve.

Matthew 25:40 reminds us, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." At CSS, we believe that every person deserves care, dignity, and respect. Being able to provide something as simple as toothpaste or dish soap can alleviate those small daily stressors, so that our clients are able to focus on getting back on their feet in whatever capacity they need to. 

Pacha Soap’s motto is Made Good. Feel Good. Do Good. Thank you, Pacha Soap, for your incredible generosity and partnership in caring for our neighbors here in Hastings. Because of you, more individuals and families can feel good while you’re doing good. Together, we’re providing HOPE in the Good Life!

CSS Auburn: Initially budgeted to help 40 families with Thanksgiving meal kits, an increased need extended the number to 50. As the locals became aware of the situation, they responded with additional turkeys and sides, substantial monetary donations, diapers, personal care items, and various donated goods at St. Francis Gift & Thrift.

CSS Hastings: 180 families received a box full of groceries for their Thanksgiving meal, gift bags of Pacha Soap shampoo and soaps to use or pass along as a holiday gift, and Christmas decorations.

CSS Imperial/McCook: On November 25th, St. Patrick’s School in McCook hosted a panel discussion for their stewardship class. CSS Family Support Specialist Jennifer Hinze shared information about CSS and the work we do in the community. After the discussion, the class presented CSS with 200 pairs of socks gathered during their “Socktober” drive. 

CSS Lincoln: 201 holiday meal bags distributed (read our story below for more about this special project by St. John the Apostle School.) In addition, 40 people were served during the "Lunch in the Lot" event, where they were provided with a Thanksgiving meal.

Here is a voicemail from a CSS Lincoln client who received a Thanksgiving food bag: "Yes, I was just in for the turkey boxes and I just want to thank everybody so much. It was even more than we had hoped for. And I just really appreciate everybody working so hard. Thank you. God bless you guys. Bye."

THANK YOU to everyone who partnered with us to nourish and nurture a holiday HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE across southern Nebraska!

Teachers and students share Thanksgiving blessings

About three years ago, teachers at St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Lincoln began looking for a meaningful way to bring students, families, and the parish together in service. Their hope was simple: to give back to the community in a way that made a real difference.

That idea has since grown into a beloved annual tradition—one that has helped feed hundreds of neighbors in need each Thanksgiving.

Each fall, the teachers lead a fundraiser inviting St. John’s parishioners—especially school families—to contribute financially toward purchasing food for the Catholic Social Services Food Market. All donated funds go directly toward bulk food purchases from the Food Bank of Lincoln, which are then delivered to CSS for distribution. This year, more than $4,000 was raised. 

At the same time, the students take on a creative role of their own. Canvas bags are purchased for the project, and every student decorates a bag with uplifting messages like “Jesus Loves You,” “You’ve Got This,” and “Hope You’re Feeling Good!” These personal touches offer encouragement and remind each recipient that they are cared for by their community.

Once the food arrives at CSS, the teachers gather on-site to form an assembly line. Together, they fill the decorated bags with everything needed for a festive Thanksgiving meal. A turkey or ham was also given to clients, which was provided by other donors. This year, over 200 bags were handed out to those in need. 

“Not only has this project fulfilled our goal of giving back and helping the community, but it’s also a lot of fun,” said teacher Carolyn Soukup. “Seeing the students pour their creativity into the bags and watching the parish rally behind the effort is humbling, especially knowing that this food was helping others.”

What began as a simple desire to serve has become a heartfelt tradition—one that brings joy to the givers, hope to the recipients, and Christ’s love to the community.

A season of growth & resilience

This year, the CSS Community Garden provided an opportunity for six refugee families from diverse backgrounds to grow and harvest their own produce. CSS supplied all the necessary tools, seeds, and water for this initiative. 

The project was a great success. It was wonderful to see a variety of herbs and vegetables growing together, from local favorites like tomatoes to foreign herbs such as Thai basil and lemongrass. The families actively take care of their gardens, often visiting after school drop-offs, or before or after work, sometimes bringing their children, who enjoyed playing in the garden. I regularly visited the garden to ensure everything was growing well and often had the pleasure of chatting with the families, observing their happiness.

A particularly touching part of the garden was the families' generosity. They not only harvested produce for their own feeding but also shared it with their neighbors and sometimes offered it to me during my visits. Many times this year, I brought excess produce from our garden to the pantry for other families in the community to take home. This project beautifully proved that even with limited resources, these families are eager and willing to share with others. 

I know these six families well, and despite not having cars to even get to the community garden, they walked there regularly. They have shown incredible resilience and a strong desire to contribute, already giving back to the community with what little they have.

This willingness to give back so soon after arriving is a wonderful sign that they will be a positive force in building our community. It makes me reflect on how powerful it would be if more people embraced a similar spirit of generosity and community involvement.

Promoting & supporting CSS Imperial/McCook 

After a one-year hiatus, our CSS/St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Social Trivia Night made a triumphant return! Held on November 14th at the Nutrien Event Center in Imperial, this year’s event drew a record-breaking 18 teams, some traveling from Colorado. The fundraiser highlighted CSS’s long-standing mission in the region, including our St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Store, which has served local families since 2011. With categories ranging from music and geography to Nebraska trivia, teams enjoyed nine lively rounds of questions, the strategic use of mulligans, and a fun county-naming challenge. The Brain Buds took first place with 74 points, donating their cash prize back to CSS, while many other participants—including the 50/50 raffle winners—also returned their winnings.

Beyond the fun, the event underscored the generous spirit of southwest Nebraska. Thanks to anonymous donors, volunteer efforts, and contributions that covered major expenses, Trivia Night raised nearly $5,000 to support our local outreach, which spans a 10-county area and assists neighbors with rent, utilities, clothing, household items, food, and support for those in crisis. Coordinated by St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Manager Bill Sullivan, his wife Marianne, and a dedicated committee, the evening served as both a fundraiser and a chance to remind the community of CSS’s growing presence—now strengthened by the addition of a CSS Family Support Specialist, Jennifer Hinze, who is based in McCook. Organizers expressed gratitude for the strong turnout after a year’s hiatus, emphasizing that every dollar raised will stay in the region to help individuals and families in need. For co-organizer Tonya Olsen, the evening represented far more than a competition. “It’s a true reminder of what our community can accomplish together,” she said. “Seeing neighbors, families, and friends continue to come out to support CSS exemplifies the generosity and team spirit of southwest Nebraska to help those in need.”

On Sunday, October 12th, Catholic Social Services hosted the 26th annual Bountiful Harvest Banquet and Silent Auction in Hastings. It’s a time to come together and give gratitude for all the blessings the Lord has given us over the past year, and to highlight the impact of CSS on communities across South Central Nebraska. 

Catholic Social Services covers the entire Lincoln Diocese –24,000 square miles– stretching from Iowa to Colorado, south of the Platte River. In Hastings, our services include sack lunches for those in need, emergency financial assistance, personal care items, holiday giving programs, and our St. Joseph Gift & Thrift. 

Our keynote speakers this year were our new Regional Director, Jonathan Kiehl, and his wife, Teresa, Manager of St. Joseph Gift and Thrift. 

Nearly 15 years ago, Jonathan and Teresa took their five children on a week-long mission trip to Mexico, where they encountered extreme poverty yet true joy in those they met. Committed to letting the mission experience end after that one week, they did just the opposite. With nothing but faith in God’s plan, Jonathan and Teresa, who at the time were expecting their sixth child, packed their bags and became missionaries. Over the years, they spent time in Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. 

Tragically, their son Ezekiel, who was born surrounded by the love of his parents, siblings, and countless native Mexicans, was taken to heaven on September 8, 2014, at the age of one, surrounded once again by unfathomable love. When we are open to God’s merciful love and healing, He can transform even our darkest hour. Jonathan, Teresa, and their children courageously carried the memory of Ezekiel each and every day of their mission for the next ten years.

In addition to losing their own son, many days were spent by the Kiehls attending the funerals of other children, parents, and grandparents in the local communities where they lived. Houses made of straw and aluminum easily caught fire, missteps in rivers, and a lack of medical care, life-saving vaccines, and medications were frequent. 

That night, at the banquet, Teresa shared her vulnerability with us. She recalled crying out, “God, if you exist, you need to do something.”

But then in her heart she heard God say, “I did do something. I sent you!”

Mother Teresa once said, “I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that He will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us– and we change things!”

May God bless you and use you, As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.  —1 Peter 4:10

How to make the most impact with your support before the calendar turns to 2026

Every act of generosity—large or small—helps bring Hope in the Good Life to neighbors in need. Thank you for keeping CSS in your prayers and year-end giving plans.

For questions, contact Development Officer John Soukup at 402-327-6235 or jsoukup@csshope.org

Please join us THIS SUNDAY!