Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, our Catholic Charities West Virginia team has learned to adapt our services in new and innovative ways to meet our clients’ needs. From video conferences to drive-through food pantries, we learned to connect in creative ways.
That creativity carried through to our year-end appeal. We included a greeting card in the mailing, but asked donors not to keep it; instead, we asked them to write a message to one of those we serve and mail it back to us.
The greeting card message noted, “This card is to let you know that a friend of Catholic Charities West Virginia is thinking of you this holiday season.”
We distributed the cards through our various regional offices. This connection was an opportunity for our clients to feel seen and supported, and it was a way for donors to interact with people in need at a time when it was difficult to see one another in person.
The outpouring of love we received was overwhelming. Messages included:
“Stay strong! You matter!”
“Always know that you are in our hearts and prayers and we are thinking about you in all we do!”
“May the birth of Christ bring joy and peace to your heart. God bless you and surround you with His strength, love and protection. You are never alone; He is with you always.”
“I try to remember this one passage. It has helped me in my most trying times. The passage is this: Jeremiah 29:11. Try to never give up HOPE.”
“You are never alone! When you look at the stars at night, please know that we gaze at the same sky we are thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers.”
“Life can be very difficult; but it is important to remember people care about you.”
We are grateful for the support of our donors, whose generosity enables us to continue making a difference in West Virginia.
By Katie Hinerman Klug, Catholic Charities West Virginia Marketing Communications Specialist
