It has been a very busy 2009 so far for Catholic Charities' San Gabriel Region.

With at least a 35 percent increase in requests for assistance, volunteers are working harder this year than in years past, as a poor economy, job loss and the high cost of living bring in more new clients.

"We're seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people coming to our food programs for help, not only at the poverty level, but also among formerly able working families who can no longer make ends meet because of the increased cost of living, problems with housing, and layoffs or reduced working hours," says Mary Romero, San Gabriel Regional Director.

In 2008, Catholic Charities' San Gabriel Region agencies alone served 22,000 homeless and low-income individuals and families, providing food, temporary shelter, housing placement assistance, clothing, transportation and utilities assistance. More than 8,000 of those served were children.

Little of this would have been possible without the work of some 250 volunteers that give - and continue to give - tirelessly of their time and talents to meet the needs of those who seek help.

The volunteers, who come from local parish communities, will be honored May 18 in Montebello at the 25th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner hosted by Catholic Charities, San Gabriel Region.

"They go out of their way to help those in need," says Romero of the San Gabriel Region volunteers. "Most are also active in their parishes and in the community, and we want to honor them for their commitment."

Also being honored with special recognition at this year's 25th Anniversary celebration dinner are Father Joseph Moniz, pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena, and the Christ Child Society of Pasadena.

"Father Joe has been extraordinarily supportive of our work, both at the parish level and for encouraging parish members to serve on our board," says Romero of the priest who has been pastor at St. Philip the Apostle since 1998.

Father Moniz, ordained in India in 1964, was incardinated in 1970, and has also served in Manhattan Beach (American Martyrs), Downey (St. Raymond), Simi Valley (St. Rose of Lima), Reseda (St. Catherine of Siena) and Hawthorne (St. Joseph, where he served 10 years in team ministry).

The Christ Child Society, whose work is based on the words, "Nothing Is Ever Too Much to Do for a Child," co-sponsors parenting classes with Catholic Charities, and assists young, at-risk parents with communication skills, violence prevention, and parenting skills. All young mothers who attend classes in the region are given a baby layette consisting of clothing for their expected child, a practice that began with Mary Virginia Merrick, who founded the Christ Child Society in Washington, D.C., in 1887. She began her outreach by sewing clothes for needy children, in whom she saw the Christ Child. There are currently 40 chapters throughout the United States.

Now in its 75th year, the Christ Child Society of Pasadena has 500 members and has expanded programs to include Pair and Learn Reading Sessions (PALS), Christmas Stocking and Easter Shoes programs Through the chapter's parish representatives, 17 parochial schools receive services that include counseling and tutoring.

The local chapter also assists children in these parishes with eye glasses, athletic equipment and clothing for first communion and graduation. Members are dedicated to the Christ Child Society's mission of "challenging poverty, one child at a time."

"Christ Child Society is very generous with Catholic Charities," Romero says. "The baby layettes and other item they can sometimes provide, such as a crib, are wonderful incentives for parents to complete the 13-week parenting classes."

With the higher demand for services this year, Romero stresses that it is especially important to support all those who give so generously of themselves to serve those most in need.

"We have clients now who have never before asked for help," she explains. "There is a substantial need for help with rents, food and utilities, even from those professionals who now find themselves on the verge of losing their homes."

Catholic Charities is a non-profit public benefit corporation and relies on government funding, foundations and corporations, churches and the generosity of individuals to support its various programs for the poor. Services are available to those in need regardless of a client's race, ethnicity, income, gender or religious belief.

The dinner will be held at the Quiet Cannon, Montebello, beginning at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Tickets are $80 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For reservations or more information, contact Romero, (323) 266-3130, or mromero@ccharities.org.