Parish and school support of Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl during Lent can make a difference for someone in Arkansas. The Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program in Little Rock has been overwhelmed with requests for utility assistance. The program is largely funded by the 25 percent the diocese keeps from the Rice Bowl donations.
Rebecca Spencer, a secretary at Catholic Charities of Arkansas, said she knows the emergency funding is critical to the recipients.
In January a woman with two sons called Catholic Charities to get her gas turned back on in her home. After complications from surgery, she could not work and she experienced some financial problems. Spencer said the family resorted to using a space heater, and they had no hot water. After contacting several local agencies and churches, she was referred to Catholic Charities. Through the Emergency Assistance Program, the amount owed to the gas company was paid, and her gas was turned back on, Spencer said.
Nearly a month later, the woman unexpectedly arrived at the diocesan offices. She presented Spencer with a Valentine bear and card to express her thanks.
“You didn’t know me, but you helped me and you didn’t have to do that,” she told Spencer.
“Stories such as this show what a tremendous difference we make in the lives of those who are less fortunate by saving our spare change for Operation Rice Bowl,” Spencer said.
Loose change can impact lives of the poor in state
