Larry Pearce
Be A Star Thrower: DONATE
Haydyn, a teenage volunteer at our Outpace Poverty 5K was visiting the snack tent, where many Knights of Columbus members were volunteering. She read the volunteer shirts aloud, “One person can only do so much.” She was pondering it, and commented how true that statement really is. Larry Pearce, a longtime Knight of Columbus, overheard her and turned it into a teaching moment. He took the simple statement a step further and shared with her “The Star Thrower”.
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.” Original story by: Loren Eiseley
As he told the story, you could see her eyes light up. That moment Larry took, to retell her the old Starfish Story, ignited a fire in her too. That is our mission at Catholic Charities, “To serve and to lift” our brothers and sisters. By lifting those in need to the dignity of self-reliance, and encouraging others to help, our communities will become one human family. It starts with one.
Did this ignite a spark in you? Are you called to join us? Learn how you can be that one, and volunteer with us. Email – volunteers@ccharities.com