Some of our many friends

Most Wednesday mornings since 2007 (rain, snow or shine), a group of dedicated volunteers can be found working in the sort room at Mission Outreach. Linens, gloves, bandages and tubing surround them as they perform the arduous task of sorting through the boxes of supplies that our partner hospitals donate.

It was over two years ago that Al Laabs made an announcement in a Mass at Christ the King Parish, Springfield, Illinois. He had heard about Mission Outreach from Sister Ann Pitsenberger - both had served as CEO of St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and both had a passion for the medical profession and helping people in need. 

After presenting Mission Outreach’s purpose, he asked for help from anyone at Christ the King willing to volunteer regularly. The rest is history.

From this plea has sprung a group of people with diverse backgrounds, but with a common purpose. Charlie Breese and his wife, Betty, have been participating for over two years. Charlie, a retired IRS fraud investigator, says that he comes because he likes the camaraderie and knowing that he’s doing something good. “We all need to help each other,” he says.  Al Laabs also keeps coming back because he enjoys “being part of something that makes a positive impact on the world – like the recent Philippines disaster relief shipments.”

If you are interested in becoming part of the Mission Outreach family, click here for more information.