Mary Kate is the second youngest of the Mitchell family. The Mitchells are just one of over 40 volunteers who have been dedicating a few hours of their Saturday to serve the less fortunate of Northeast Kansas. They serve by collecting donations through Catholic Charities Hy-Vee food drives. The Mitchells got involved in 2011 when they were searching for a volunteer opportunity that was suitable for all ages and would fill a need in the community. Catholic Charities Hy-Vee food drives provides that opportunity. For the Mitchells, the program is a perfect fit because the children are able to easily identify with feeding the hunger and seeing their contribution to fighting it.

“They are learning a corporal work of mercy through a concrete experience,” Kelley Mitchell tells Catholic Charities.  The combined efforts of the Mitchells and so many other dedicated volunteers are making a difference in numerous lives throughout the 21 counties of Northeast Kansas. In 2015, our volunteers logged over 1,000 combined hours at 52 separate food drives. Together, they collected over 9,000 bags of food and over $12,000 in cash donations!