Cowboy hats and boots, as well as colorful bandanas were on display during the annual western-inspired Boots & Bandanas event took place on April 24, 2026, at the St. Paul Parish Hall.
Boots & Bandanas was held to support the good works of Catholic Charities in DeSoto County which reach young and old alike with services that range from food, financial support, youth programs, counseling and housing.
The evening put a spotlight on what Catholic Charities does each day to support food security and education programs serving families across DeSoto County.
Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities, spoke about the incredible team of staff and volunteers who step up each day to support the community.
“There are beautiful things being done here in Arcadia,” Root said. “We assist people and try to help everyone with every need, but first we strive to give everyone who comes to us dignity. We want them to know and understand who they are, made in image and likeness of God. They are important to us… When they no longer need our assistance, we are giving them the one thing they will carry with them forever, the love we share with them, the love of Christ that we give them that they can take to eternal life and that is endlessly shared with everyone with whom they come in contact.”
The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a gift from the heart. Proceeds will stay in DeSoto County. Father Luis Pacheco, Pastor of St. Paul Parish, offered the blessing before the meal.
Catholic Charities in DeSoto works out of several locations in Arcadia. The main is near St. Paul Parish. Through this office, financial assistance is offered to individuals and families facing hardships, with counselors working diligently to alleviate this burden by offering financial aid for rental/mortgage payments, transportation costs, utility bills, and medications as funds are available.
The food pantry, located in the former Parish Hall of St. Paul Parish, has expanded its operations going to 5-days-a-week, exponentially reaching more people, from about 800 a month, to 2,600. The walk-in food pantry offers a dignified process to allow individuals and families facing food insecurity to choose the items they need, including fresh produce, pantry staples and essential household essentials, while avoiding unnecessary waste. Due to the rising cost of food and other items, the food pantry continues to see an increase in demand. Financial and food donations are always welcome.
Catholic Charities also operates Casa San Juan Bosco housing, which includes dozens of single-family homes for low-income families in the farming industry. Adjacent to that is St. John Paul II Villas, a housing for low-income seniors. Both programs have associated support programs to ensure the residents have the support they need including offering life skills courses for adults. In addition, Casa San Juan Bosco hosts an educational enrichment program with an after-school and summer programs for children.
If you are interested helping Catholic Charities in DeSoto County, please call 863-494-1068. If you would like to make a financial donation, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.
