Catholic Social Services holds fundraiser for women’s shelter

Catholic Social Services in Lincoln held a special benefit for a women’s shelter in need.

The benefit Sunday afternoon was called Carol Fest, and all the money raised is going toward St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes.

On Sunday Catholic Social Services in Lincoln invited area choirs to perform advent and Christmas songs at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located on UNL’s campus.

People in attendance were asked to donate to St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes, a shelter that gives aid to women fleeing domestic violence.

“Many of the ladies that come to us, come to us without absolutely nothing, so they can stay there as long as they need,” said Father Khristopher Kubat, executive director of Catholic Social Services.

The shelter opened a 24 unit apartment back in 2011.

Women in the shelter can stay until they are back on their feet.

Money is needed for kitchen supplies, furniture appliances and more.

“Right now we have many mothers and children there who are in need of things. We just had a recent family come to us who had absolutely nothing except what they could carry in their hands,” said Sister Bernadette Radek, an Administrator at St. Gianna’s.

The apartments are all furnished and over a hundred beds are available to women and their children fleeing a difficult situation.

“We have 110 beds in the St. Gianna’s women’s ward. We have all but one apartment that is being used right now,” said Sister Radek.

After Sunday’s concert, many people stuck around, as volunteers baked cookies for all to enjoy.

If you are interested in donating and are unsure what to give, Sister Bernadette has an idea.

“We’ve had some donors give gift cards to Walmart or Super Saver and that helps so much because we are able to give those cards to the ladies when they first come to get the things that they need.”

For more information about getting involved with this cause, head to www.cssisus.org or www.stgiannas.org.