To the editor:

The board and staff of Catholic Community Services expresses their gratitude to all those who participated in the Christmas Adoption Program. We provided stockings for about 150 senior citizens, adopted 16 seniors and 71 families with a total of 191 children being served. A broad range of Christmas gifts including clothing, food, sundries, appliances, furniture, books and toys were provided the families because of the generosity of the people of Leavenworth County. Because toys may hold less interest for children, who have to play with them in a cold dark house, 44 percent of the donors provided rent and utility assistance.

Catholic Community Services seeks the common good and well being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Therefore, we provide hope and services to all people — not because of their beliefs, but because of ours. Although Christmas is a very special time, we are busy throughout the year providing a gamut of services that includes prescription, rental and utility assistance. We have a sundry closet, a pantry, and provide formula, diapers, gas vouchers, fans in summer and school supplies to name a few. We offer individual and family counseling and provide volunteer assistance to homebound seniors through our new program, Friendly Visitors.

God bless everyone who helped us to shed light in to the lives of those darkened by economic despair.

Gloria Owens,

Director, Catholic Community Services, Leavenworth.