As we close out National Volunteer Month, we are reflecting on the people who show up for Catholic Charities of Oregon in big and small ways. Their time, care, and commitment help make our work possible every day.
As we close out National Volunteer Month, I find myself returning to a simple truth. Our work at Catholic Charities of Oregon would not be possible without the people who choose to show up.
Volunteerism is often described as giving back. But what we see every day is something deeper. It is people choosing to stand alongside their neighbors. It is a willingness to offer time, energy, and care in ways that create real and lasting impact.
Over the past year, we have seen that impact in so many forms.
We saw it during our annual Holiday Toy Shop, where volunteers welcomed families, checked them in, interpreted across languages, and helped parents and caregivers select gifts that would bring joy to their children. What could have been a stressful experience became something warm, dignified, and even joyful because of the people who gave their time.
Care that Shows Up Every Week
We see it every week at our Housing Transitions Program, where volunteers prepare and serve meals for women who come through our drop-in center. Some bring sack lunches. Others cook hot meals. Some come regularly. Others show up when they can. Every meal says the same thing. You matter. We’re glad you’re here.
That same spirit shows up at Kenton Women’s Village, where volunteers provide meals and support for program participants working toward stability and housing. These acts of care may seem simple, but they are part of what helps people feel seen and supported as they navigate incredibly challenging circumstances.
We are also grateful for the many volunteers who share their knowledge and expertise. From English language classes to financial literacy workshops to Know Your Rights presentations, these efforts help people build confidence, access opportunity, and better understand systems that can often feel overwhelming. Our Immigration Legal Services team, in particular, benefits from volunteers who help expand access to trusted, accurate information at a time when it is urgently needed.
Our partnerships with schools like De La Salle and All Saints are another powerful example of what volunteerism can look like. Students have assembled hygiene kits, supported hands-on projects, and even helped fund and purchase new refrigerators at Kenton Women’s Village. These experiences don’t just meet immediate needs. They help instill a lifelong commitment to service and community.
And we are continually inspired by the residents of Good Shepherd Village and Francis + Clare Place who step up to support one another. From unloading weekly food deliveries to stocking pantry shelves, their contributions help ensure that essential resources are available to everyone in their community.
Why This Matters Now
At a time when many nonprofits are navigating funding cuts and growing uncertainty, this kind of support matters more than ever. It allows us to continue showing up for the people we serve, even as the landscape around us shifts.
But beyond the practical impact, volunteerism does something else. It strengthens the fabric of our community. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that even in challenging times, people are willing to show up for one another.
From board members to students, from one-time volunteers to those who serve week after week, we are deeply grateful. Your time, your compassion, and your willingness to act make a difference that cannot be overstated.
We celebrate you this month, and every month.
— Kaleen Deatherage
CEO, Catholic Charities of Oregon