Okay, so Catholic Charities is one of the big dogs in the local charity scene. That doesn't mean they don't need your money. Last year they spent more than $11 million on services to children alone, and they also run food pantries, homeless shelters, refugee aid, and more across the region—40 programs all told. As busy as they are trying to pick up after a society that lets people slip through the cracks on a daily basis, they're just as busy fighting at the Legislature to close up those cracks. At the Capitol, they're a consistent voice for the most vulnerable, pushing back against punitive anti-immigrant bills and cuts to health care assistance and food stamps. At a time when lawmakers are contemplating tossing what remains of our social safety net in the shredder, Catholic Charities' work and advocacy are more important than ever.