3/11/2010
New CCS service center opens in Eugene
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EUGENE — “The Lord hears the cry of the poor, blessed be the Lord,”…sang the people gathered as Archbishop John Vlazny’s blessed the new Eugene Community Service Center operated by Catholic Community Services of Lane County.
Supporters, board members, employees and local parishioners gathered last week to participate in the blessing by the archbishop and to celebrate the new, larger site now serving the poor in the Eugene community.
After years of distributing 7 tons of food per week out of an old, cramped motel, Catholic Community Services moved to a location almost three times larger. Combined with the agency’s site in Springfield, more than 1.6 million tons of food is distributed a year in Lane County and demand continues to increase making the larger facility a necessity.
Mike and Colleen Bellotti, campaign co-chairs, have launched the $1.5 million comprehensive fundraising campaign for the new site.
“It is truly an honor to partner with an organization that feeds the hungry and gives shelter and guidance to our neighbors in need,” they said.
Ed Monks, Catholic Community Services executive director, welcomed people to the blessing and Monica Wilton, director of development, served as cantor during the Mass while Brian Caughey, board president, did the reading.
Linda Sogge, a member of St. Jude Parish, assisted Archbishop Vlazny by holding the holy water as he blessed the 6,000-square-foot building, which provides services including food boxes, prescription assistance, bus tokens, emergency shelter, case management and free clothing.
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