Meet Cate McGork, a sophomore at Fairfield University! Taking initiative, she single handedly organized and hosted a successful toiletries drive for Operation Hope of Fairfield in November. She collected shampoo, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and other basic hygiene essentials, running the drive on campus leading up to Thanksgiving.
When asking Cate what inspired her to support Operation Hope, she said she very involved in volunteer work at home in upstate New York throughout high school, particularly at her church and at the local food pantry. Her volunteering activities included collecting, organizing and distributing donations, so when looking to get involved in volunteer work in Fairfield, she was searching for organizations with similar activities, ultimately leading her to Operation Hope.
Cate has plans to go into the medical field (she’s considering dentistry), but it’s always been a firm belief of hers that helping people professionally starts before their appointment even begins. Cate feels it’s crucial for people to have the supplies and resources that they need for so many reasons, but especially because helping people holistically can help them take steps towards allowing them to be assisted medically. Helping others get the resources they need allows them to take steps toward getting the care that they deserve, and helping people put their best foot forward each day is a great way to help patients before they even truly become patients.
Cate felt Operation Hope truly resonated with her because of how closely the work we do aligns with her values, and she wanted to be a part of it. We are so grateful that Cate “found” us, and find her desire to help others by running a successful drive, and at such a young age, truly inspiring. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need, Cate!