“I was first introduced to CCS through the efforts of my employer, Zimmer Biomet.  Our work team started scheduling visits for volunteer work, such as stocking and organizing food and personal item donations that are ultimately provided to community members in need.

I remember thinking that I wanted to do more and offer additional support, in some way, as the CCS team worked so hard and was often short-staffed. It was quite the awakening (and heart-wrenching) to learn how many people in our own community suffered with insufficient means to feed or clothe their children, and CCS plays such a vital role in addressing these and so many other services for those in need.  I asked if there was anything else I could do in the evenings or weekends, and Ami Pitt asked if I would be willing to help with data entry.  All assistance is required to be tracked and reported, and the team is often so busy assisting the community in other areas; I was happy to help.

The CCS team organizes various seasonal efforts to meet specific needs.  Two of these initiatives are ‘Tools for School’, wherein school backpacks are filled with required supplied to families in need; and, ‘The Christmas Toy drive’, wherein the CCS volunteers work tirelessly to organize and price donated books and toys, and host a HUGE ‘warehouse’ sale of affordable items.  I have had the opportunity to help support both efforts and enter all donations into the Charity Tracker system.

I encourage anyone who can to donate and/or ‘make’ time to volunteer and support the CCS efforts.  It is truly humbling and rewarding.  Thank you to the CCS team and all the volunteers; I am blessed to see and contribute to this effort.”

– Cathy Garrison

Thank you, Cathy, for serving Combined Community Services and Kosciusko County so faithfully and joyfully! You are impacting many lives!