Philanthropy derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "to love people".

Philanthropy derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "to love people".
Catholic Charities is blessed to have many active philanthropists in our community of supporters that have given money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support our mission, with no financial or material reward in return.
Philanthropy encompasses any altruistic activity intended to promote good or improve the quality of life for individuals and has been around for several thousand years. Throughout the bible, God calls us to come to the aid of the widow, orphan, the stranger, the sick and the poor. Those categories identify the most vulnerable in our society, those least able to sustain themselves. At Catholic Charities we have an Angel of Hope Food Pantry to feed the hungry every week, case management services available for those trying to get back on their feet, Immigration Legal Services to help individuals receive services that they need to unite with their families and/or get legal assistance, and Access for Central Texans to help those without medical benefits acquire them in order to have the healthcare they need.

In August, Catholic Charities of Central Texas had a Good Samaritan for the summer appeal and as a result is still receiving a wonderful outpour of support from the community. Over $25,000 has been received to date from the Good Samaritan appeal and will be used to provide food in our food pantry, case management services, Immigration Legal Services, and healthcare outreach to those in need. We are blessed to have friends that understand the meaning of being a Good Samaritan to our neighbors, even and most importantly when times are hard.

Many people ask “who is my neighbor”?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan addresses this question directly.
[Luke 10:30-37]

Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.

He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?

He answered, “The one who treated him with Mercy.”

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Philanthropy is another definition of Good Samaritan. Some might be able to give their time and volunteer. Our Angel of Hope Food Pantry depends on the service of volunteers to serve the hundreds of neighbors that we do on a weekly basis. Without the gift of time from our volunteers, we would be unable to serve as many as we do. Talent is another way to give a gift of yourself and serve those around you. For instance, several volunteers donate their talents to organize our annual spring luncheon that raises awareness and money for our programs. And finally, treasure is another gift that some people are able to give. As a nonprofit, financial support that is received is poured into ensuring our programs are in place and that our neighbors are being served throughout central Texas.

Thank you, on behalf of those that we serve, for those of you that have learned how “to love people” through giving to Catholic Charities of Central Texas.