913.433.2100  |  Find Help  |  Send a prayer request

Family Gatherings Turn into Family Giving Opportunities

For the last two years, holidays for one family have turned into an opportunity to give back to their community. Instead of exchanging gifts with one another, this family pools their resources to purchase items to give to others in need. This year, they stuffed drawstring backpacks with basic necessities like bottled water, socks, hand warmers, a thermal blanket and Chapstick. In total, they assembled and donated 60 bags for the men living at Shalom House, Catholic Charities’ men’s homeless shelter.
Led by grandparents, Irvin and Terry Leiker, this three-generation group all played a specific role in the preparation process.
“Rebecca watched for sales and was charged with making all of the purchases,” said Terry Leiker.
Theresa Giesler coordinated with the recipient of their donations after a friend from their parish recommended Shalom House at Catholic Charities.
Together, they all contributed to the labor of love in packing all of the items assembly line style during their family gathering.
“We really wanted this to be a teaching tool for the kids,” added Terry Leiker. “But we have all gotten something out of it.”
“I like doing this because we all get together and do it as a family,” adds eight-year-old Emma.
Learn more about Shalom House and how you can get involved with Catholic Charities.
Above: Jake Giesler, Theresa Giesler, CiCi Giesler, Terry Leiker, Irvin Leiker, Emma Giesler, Rebecca Eickbush, & Grace Giesler (Not pictured: Matt Eickbush and Greg Leiker)

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Share This Story
More Stories

Read inspiring Hope Stories and see updates from our 30+ programs on our blog.

Join Our Newsletter

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep up to date with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Sign up here.

Blog Categories

Related Stories

Community Engagement & Outreach

Our Shelves Are Close to Empty

More than 34 million people, including 10 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of

Read More »

We help our neighbors in need move from a place of needing help to one of having hope.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas serves the most vulnerable men, women and children of all faiths across 21 counties. We provide innovative programs and solutions that stabilize and strengthen individuals and families to have hope for the future. Follow us to stay up to date.

Follow Us