Back over the summer I got an email from a friend of mine that Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia was looking for a photographer to volunteer to take some still photos to accompany a video presentation that they were trying to put together.  My friend passed on my information to them and I was contacted by Adrienne Soroka.  She explained to me what they wanted to accomplish.  Adrienne was a saint and you can tell just by talking to her how much she enjoys helping people.  I was free the day they needed me and I certainly didn’t mind helping her out for such a good cause.  Their goal was to showcase some of the work they’ve done for families throughout Eastern Virginia.  I took still shots for three families that the charity had helped out, while the filming was going on.

We started out early in the morning to see Ms. White and her two grandchildren. Ms. White got custody of her two grandchildren, hence making her a parent again after she had retired. While she had no problems taking in her grandchildren, she was in need of transportation to help get them back in forth from school activities and appointments.

Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia helped her get a car.  Ms. White now stays very active with her grandchildren and makes sure they stay in activities to help benefit their growth and devolopement.

Next we visited Ms. Jefferson.  Karen took money out of her house to start a soup kitchen to help feed the homeless and poor in downtown Newport News.

Throughout the week she collects food from people and local grocery stores.  Every Sunday, rain or shine, she sets up a table and hands out food to those in need. While Karen was helping others who had no home, she was about to lose hers.  Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia helped Karen find the resources to contact so she could keep her home.  Karen is still downtown every Sunday feeding the poor and after a hard day’s work she can go home and thank God for all his blessings.

Finally, we saw Amy, a mother of 4, who had to have surgury on her foot and could no longer work after the operation.

Since she wasn’t working, she no longer had health insurance and could not pay for her prescriptions. While her husband worked to support the family, his insurance wouldn’t cover the medications she desparetly needed.  Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia stepped in to help her with her prescriptions and now the whole family is all smiles.

Last night my wife and I as well as many other participants got to see the final video they put together which incorporated a few of the stills I took.  It was so heart warming to see the good things that they have done for the communities of Eastern Virginia.  Just seeing Ms. White and her grandchildren, Karen and Amy almost brought tears to my eyes.  It was truly great to be able to help with the project and see up close and personal the things that a good charity does to help the people who are in need.

If you ever want to give back by volunteering or want to make contributions to a wonderful organization, I certainly recommend looking up Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia.  They will help anyone who is in need, even if you’re not Catholic!  You never know what kind of impact you’re going to have on someone’s life and perhaps you might have a humbling experience of your own!