Harriet’s Cupboard was a program of Catholic Charities that collected hygiene items for people in need. The story began in the early 1980s with a kind-hearted employee named Harriet Labedz. Harriet understood how essential personal hygiene items were to our clients—and how deeply they appreciated receiving them. She worked for Catholic Charities for over twenty years and was known for her generosity and compassion. Harriet would often give her own sandwich to a client or bring in toilet paper and other necessities from home to help those in need.
Although Harriet has since passed away, her spirit of giving lives on. Harriet’s Cupboard was established in her memory to provide clients with personal hygiene items, paper products, and cleaning supplies. It’s important to note that families who receive SNAP benefits—formerly known as food stamps—cannot use those benefits to purchase personal care or household products, making this support especially critical.
Today, the program continues under the name Community Cupboard Campaign to reflect a unified effort by all Catholic Charities agencies serving across the six counties of our diocese.
