Cozy Kitchen’s Chris Green is faith in action

   Chris Green, owner of the Cozy Kitchen restaurant and catering service in Caledonia, says he doesn’t always do what the Lord tells him to do, but this time, he did. Green’s uncle receives assistance from Faith in Action, a program of Catholic Charities of Livingston County, whose volunteers drive the elderly gentleman to and from Strong Hospital where he receives dialysis treatments.

   Green found out about the wonderful, caring support that Faith in Action was providing his uncle and decided to host a fundraiser for the agency. The BBQ Buffet Benefit, held May 6 at the Cozy Kitchen, fed over 125 people both in sit down and take out dinners and raised $1,500, said Christa Barrows, Faith in Action director.

"This type of event is invaluable in terms of the exposure it brings our program. It's at these types of functions where we get word out about the program and what it contributes to the community. Often, volunteers are recruited and more donations are brought in to help keep the program going," Barrows explained.

   Faith in Action was started in 2003 with the mission of providing volunteer services to senior citizens and those with chronic disabilities who are striving to maintain independence at home with dignity. Volunteers of the agency provide friendly visits to the elderly or homebound, transportation to medical appointments, help with shopping and other errands, light meal preparation, respite care for family members and help with minor chores and repairs around the home. There are about 75 Faith in Action volunteers; ten are from the Caledonia area. One husband and wife team take turns transporting seniors to medical appointments and dialysis treatments. Another volunteer helps out the poor and elderly by making minor home repairs for them, Barrows said.

   Patricia Lundberg of Livingston County says she wouldn’t have been able to remain at home without the assistance of Faith in Action volunteers who visit regularly. "They do my shopping and go out of their way to help me in any way they can," Lundberg commented.

   If you would like information on how to receive assistance from Faith in Action or to learn more about volunteer opportunities within the agency, please contact Christa Barrows at Faith in Action, Catholic Charities of Livingston County, phone 658-4466 (ext 18) or log on to www.aboutcclc.org