The Difference a Volunteer Can Make
If you've spent time with Brian Woods, you've probably heard a great story.
When Brian Woods joined Catholic Charities as Donor Experience Officer in March 2025, one of his first goals was to learn as much as he could about the organization's programs and the people they serve. Rather than simply hearing about the impact, he decided to experience it firsthand by volunteering at the Catholic Charities Food Shelf.
During his first summer with the organization, Brian began picking up volunteer shifts and learning the operation from the ground up. What started as an opportunity to better understand the Food Shelf quickly became one of his favorite ways to connect with the mission.
Brian enjoys the welcoming atmosphere, the friendships he's built with fellow volunteers, and the opportunity to interact with community members who rely on the Food Shelf's services. Most of all, he appreciates seeing firsthand the difference volunteers make in the lives of local individuals and families.
"The work goes fast because there's always something to do, and you're making a difference," Brian said. "You can see the impact you're having on people in the community, and you leave feeling like you've accomplished something."
His positive experience has had a ripple effect. Inspired by Brian's enthusiasm, his wife now volunteers weekly at the Food Shelf, and together they continue serving neighbors and building meaningful connections through their volunteer work.
As Catholic Charities prepares for the busy holiday season, volunteers will play an especially important role in helping meet increased community need. From stocking shelves and sorting donations to assisting guests and supporting behind-the-scenes operations, volunteers help ensure individuals and families have access to essential food and resources during a time when many are facing additional financial pressures.
For Brian, volunteering feels like a natural extension of a commitment to service that has been part of his life for many years.
Long before joining the Catholic Charities team, Brian was a supporter of the organization. An avid reader, he helped open Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud before spending 20 years at Liturgical Press, where he built relationships throughout the community. Along the way, he regularly supported Catholic Charities through donations and often looked for opportunities to become more involved.
In fact, Brian's connection to Catholic Charities dates back to 1989, when he and his wife spent their first Christmas together with a coffee can on the table collecting donations for Catholic Charities.
"It wasn't much," Brian recalled, "but we were always donating something."
Years later, an unexpected conversation eventually led him to Catholic Charities professionally. After working with staff to secure Mardi Gras auction donations, he attended a retirement celebration where he met OA Director Chad Johnson. One conversation turned into another, and before long Brian found himself joining an organization he had admired for decades.
Today, Brian's gift for building relationships serves him well in his role as Donor Experience Officer. Coworkers often describe him as thoughtful, positive, and always willing to lend a hand. In fact, one employee noted that Brian has been known to pull weeds outside the building simply because he noticed they needed attention.
Whether he's connecting with donors, supporting volunteers, or serving guests at the Food Shelf, Brian brings the same belief to everything he does: people matter, and small acts of service can make a lasting difference.
As we head into the holiday season, the Catholic Charities Food Shelf is looking for caring volunteers to help serve neighbors in need. Whether you can volunteer once or on a regular basis, your time and talents can make a meaningful impact in our community.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer today:
https://www.ccstcloud.org/volunteer
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