Marking 250 Years by Celebrating Works of Mercy in Action
Service begins when someone chooses to show up for a neighbor. Across central and eastern North Carolina, Catholic Charities volunteers make that choice every day. They sort food, assist after disasters, offer a welcoming presence to immigrant families, and help meet local needs that look different from one community to the next. Their service is practical, personal, and deeply meaningful.
“Volunteers are the heart of our mission,” said Jazzmin Wainright, Office Manager in the New Bern regional office. “Every volunteer brings something unique to our work, but they all share one thing in common: a commitment to making a positive difference in someone else’s life.”
This summer, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites Catholics across the country to take part in the 250 Works of Mercy initiative as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At Catholic Charities, we are celebrating the volunteers who are already putting these works into action. Through Food Pantry Services, Disaster Services, Immigration Legal Services, and regional programs, volunteers help feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and walk with neighbors through moments of crisis and hope.
In the Cape Fear region, Paige Mixon, Healthy Food Box Production Coordinator, sees how volunteers expand what staff can accomplish each day.
“The volunteers that I’m so grateful to have make my job so much easier, I tell them often!” said Mixon. “They show up ready to go and know exactly what to do. Without them, I truly don’t think we would be able to feed as many people as we do.”
Last year, more than 850 volunteers helped Catholic Charities impact the lives of nearly 300,000 individuals. Behind that number are families receiving food, disaster survivors finding steady support, immigrants being welcomed with dignity, and communities strengthened by people willing to give their time and talents.
For the Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services program, volunteers help staff respond to needs that often exceed available capacity. Their support helps Catholic Charities assist more
individuals and families while creating a welcoming environment for clients navigating complex systems.
“When families walk into our office and see volunteers, many of whom are members of the local community, it sends a powerful message,” shared Luisa Martin-Price, a DOJ Fully Accredited Representative with the Immigration Legal Services program. “Clients realize that it is not only their legal representative who cares about them, but also ordinary Americans who are willing to invest their time and talents to support them. This experience fosters trust, hope, and a sense of belonging, reminding our clients that they are valued members of the community and that they do not have to face their challenges alone.”
The 250 Works of Mercy initiative offers a national moment to recognize what Catholic Charities sees every day. These works are carried out by people who bring their skills, patience, kindness, and joy to the service of others.
In the weeks leading up to July 4, Catholic Charities will highlight volunteers on social media and share the many ways they help strengthen communities across central and eastern North Carolina. Follow along as we celebrate the people whose service brings mercy to life.
“Together with our volunteers, we achieve extraordinary acts of service,” said Liz McDowell, Tar River Regional Director. “Without them, we would be only a small voice in a vast sea of need. It is our volunteers who bring hope to life within our community and throughout our organization, we truly could not do the things we do without them.”