It's a win-win for clients, volunteers

I have been a volunteer at Catholic Charities, 1717 Rand Road in Des Plaines, for almost three years.

My duties are in the St. Julia Clothing Room, which is open to our clients from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

We receive generous donations of clothing of all kinds for men, women and children, including coats, shoes, handbags, jewelry, undergarments. Donations also include kitchenware/housewares, linens, books and unused personal products.

I will sort the donations to be placed into the proper areas (men's women's children, home), much like one would see in a retail shop. Decisions are made based on seasonal use, condition of item, specific needs of our client base.

I try to create a pleasant "shopping" atmosphere by utilizing visual merchandising techniques that would allow our clients to find desirable and useful items in the time allotted. Items that are not used are recycled at another Catholic Charities location.

My background includes advocacy for literacy, especially through children's literature. I often help families select appropriate reading materials for their kids from generous donations, often people for whom English is a second language.

I also assist Catholic Charities staff in training and monitoring student volunteers and adults who have chosen to donate their time at this location.

I have always held the belief that "if you light a lamp for someone, it will brighten your path as well." I believe everyone is hungry for love, companionship, wants to be needed, wants to feel useful, have a life purpose.

During my time here, I have met many clients who need Catholic Charities help for various reasons: illness, death of supportive loved ones, financial setbacks, loneliness, homelessness.

I have witnessed the wide-eyed joy someone receives by finding just the right dress, Cubs shirt, winter coat, well-fitting pair of shoes. While many of us may take these things for granted, such simple things can positively change a person's outlook and bolster self confidence.

I have been privileged to hear success stories of how my assistance with finding the right outfit for a job interview made someone successful.

I met one widowed mom who would look for things for her two daughters applying for college. One day she came to tell me both girls were accepted and got scholarships; the girls felt like they belonged in clothing they received from Catholic Charities.

People may be surprised that I have served clients of all faiths and many ethnic and social backgrounds. Those coming for assistance need only a valid ID card with name and address.

Volunteers, too, come from many backgrounds and experiences. Many of us are blessed with an abundance of clothing and other belongings we routinely change over. Donating these unneeded items to Catholic Charities will benefit many.

Volunteers will experience the camaraderie of working with a positive, dedicated team and can know their time spent helps individuals and families make it through another day with basics to enhance their dignity.

I listen to the words of Pope Francis when he says, "The more we serve, the greater our peace and freedom."

Volunteers and those we serve are from Des Plaines and our neighboring communities. It's a win-win for everyone.