THE DISH SPRING 2024
My favorite part about volunteering is just helping others. Giving back what I once needed, giving that to somebody else. — Q, Former Recipient Turned Volunteer Q’s son volunteering
SPREADING HOPE AFTER OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Q Ellison spends hours each week distributing food to those in need at Catholic Charities’ Saint Juan Diego Center in Omaha. Being able to help others brings her immense joy—as she knows the feeling of being on the receiving end of that food. Three years ago, employees at her husband’s place of work went on strike, leaving them without an income. “We drained what little savings we had to pay rent, utilities, and the car payment—which left us struggling to put food on the table. There were many nights I cried myself to sleep due to the hopelessness I felt every single day. The Food Bank and their partners is what gave me hope, it’s what kept food on the table.” When her husband went back to work, it was Q’s son who had the idea of volunteering at the pantry. “My son, who is disabled, asked if we could work at the pantry we visited. To my surprise, they welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve been volunteering together ever since.”
OUR MISSION
For those who find themselves in similar situations, Q’s story reminds us all that during times of great need, help is never too far away. “I’ve been there. I have felt that hopelessness…why do I have to keep going to a food pantry? We struggled to put gas in the vehicle just to make it to the pantry. I have been there. Don’t give up hope. You will make it.”
Q with Featured Celebrity Gail Simmons
Q recently shared her story of hope with more than 920 attendees at our 23rd annual Celebrity Chef event and received a standing ovation from the crowd. With your support—we raised the equivalent of more than 2.1 million meals— which will help families like Q’s who are facing hunger across the Heartland. THANK YOU!
To eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.