At Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, our Food for All pantries thrive because of volunteers whose compassion brings dignity and welcome to every neighbor we serve.
In Highland County, two of those volunteers, Katie Dettwiller and Hollie Kittner, have become familiar, joyful faces at our pantry hosted by Greater Life Assembly Church. Last year, this pantry served more than 150 families every month, a testament to both the need in the community and the dedication of those who show up to help.
Katie began volunteering in August 2024, after finding more time in her schedule and wanting to give back to her community. What she loves most is getting to know fellow volunteers and the neighbors who come for food assistance. She strives to make every person feel at ease, offering kindness and conversation that remind guests they are valued.
One afternoon, as the pantry wrapped up and rain began to fall, Katie drove a participant home who had walked to the site. This simple act of care reflects her generous spirit. She also deeply admires the dedication of April Hoak, Catholic Charities’ Food for All Coordinator, sharing, “April gets to the pantries early and is the last to leave. These pantries couldn’t happen without her.”
Hollie joined the Highland County pantry team earlier this year, stepping into service after her children finished college. A humbling moment early on shaped her commitment. At 8:00 on a bitterly cold morning, she watched a man arrive on a bicycle and wait three hours for the pantry to begin. That quiet act of perseverance revealed the depth of need in her community and affirmed her calling to serve.
Hollie is also deeply moved by the prayer circle April leads before each pantry, which is for her a moment of unity that grounds her service in gratitude and purpose.
Together, Katie and Hollie embody the heart of Food for All: neighbors serving neighbors with dignity, hope, and love.