Heart of a volunteer

Catholic Charities Fort Worth volunteers Al Lobo and Linda Hotchkiss at the Gabriel Closet of Catholic Charities in Arlington. (NTC/Richard Rodriguez)

The first volunteers at Catholic Charities Fort Worth were a few women who in 1910 began a “work of mercy” helping the poor and vulnerable in their community.

Today, CCFW relies on an army of 218 volunteers serving 13 programs to help end poverty in North Texas.

Linda Hotchkiss and Al Lobo are two longtime volunteers who continue that work of mercy started over 100 years ago. 

“After I retired, I wanted to do something to help other people,” Hotchkiss explained. 

For nine years, the St. Vincent de Paul parishioner has answered phone calls every Tuesday for CCFW’s Community Care program at the agency’s Arlington campus. 

“Living where I live in my bubble, I’ve never really known the kind of poverty out there,” she said. “Like not being able to buy food for the next week.” 

Hotchkiss directs needy clients to various CCFW programs, county agencies, Society of St. Vincent de Paul councils, and an energy clearinghouse for affordable electricity. She said many calls request help with rent and electric bills.  

Four years ago, Hotchkiss also became a Gabriel Angel, walking with and supporting moms in crisis pregnancies with spiritual, emotional, and practical help. This year through June, 91 Gabriel Angels accompanied 188 moms, said Kelly Smith, volunteer specialist.

“Do you need anything? Is there anything I can do for you?” Hotchkiss routinely asks the moms she accompanies. She said volunteering with CCFW has “added an extra layer of faith” to her life.

“That’s what Jesus would do, right?” she asked rhetorically. 

Al Lobo had supported CCFW financially, but when he retired eight years ago, he wanted to do more. Last year, the CCFW Transportation volunteer logged 290 hours driving clients to medical appointments, for groceries, and to work. 

“Sometimes I see them repeatedly and get to know them, and their stories and their troubles,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking.”

Wanting to do more, he became a CCFW Champion, speaking to local groups about the number of people in poverty, their conditions, and barriers, and how CCFW helps them rise out of poverty. 

He explained the agency’s approach is “faith driven, client led, and research based.”

“The work has demonstrable results,” he added. “We do things that can move the needle.”

When he was invited to join the board of directors two years ago, he saw another way to help. And as an Executive Fundraising Committee member, he actively participates in fundraising for the organization he is so passionate about.

“I believe if you’re passionate about something, good things happen,” he said. “That’s my goal … how can I pass on the passion?”

Volunteer, contribute to, or learn more about Catholic Charities Fort Worth by visiting CatholicCharitiesFortWorth.org.