We are fortunate to have extremely generous donors and volunteers who give their time, energy, support and resources to Catholic Charities. As part of our donor and volunteer appreciation campaign, we are recognizing individuals and organizations who share God’s love and spread Christ’s light by partnering with Catholic Charities. Because of our donors and volunteers, we are able to bring vital, lifesaving services to our neighbors in greatest need. Here’s Charles (Chuck) Hoff’s Story:
When asked why he gives to Catholic Charities of Oregon, Chuck says he can summarize it in an old phrase: “But for the grace of God, there go I.” What that means to him is that all of us could be in that situation if it weren’t for the turn of a few bad events in our lives. It could be us standing on that corner, asking for help.
Chuck is taken by people who are in difficult situations, especially women and children. When he encounters people sleeping and living on the streets his heart breaks. But, he wasn’t always sure about how to help or how best to give a monetary donation that would be used directly to help the people he saw who were experiencing homelessness. Chuck wanted to be part of a solution that worked, so about four years ago, he set up a system with Catholic Charities, an organization he was introduced to by an old friend.
What Chuck loves about the system he set up with Catholic Charities is the spontaneity of it. Now, when he sees people who are experiencing homelessness, he picks up the phone – in that very instant – and calls in a monetary donation. He calls this a “knee-jerk and instantaneous response” to giving. By doing this, Chuck doesn’t let an opportunity slip his mind. “It’s important that I get it done right away, otherwise I tend to forget things,” he says. This system allows Chuck to give out of his compassion and concern for the homeless in the moment he encounters it.
Chuck acknowledges that the money might not go directly to the individual person he saw on the street, but he directs all his donations for Catholic Charities toward people experiencing homelessness and Catholic Charities’ homeless services, so he knows the monetary donation is being used for his intended purpose. Chuck believes strongly in the good work that Catholic Charities does. And, he looks forward to continuing to work with Catholic Charities to help people in difficult situations, especially in these challenging times.
Thank you, Chuck. At Catholic Charities of Oregon we wouldn’t be able to deliver lifesaving services to those in greatest need without people like you. You #Inspire Us