A 21-year-old West Point student who sought a way to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic donated a large portion of his stimulus check to St. Vincent de Paul’s Family Relief Fund. 

The fund offers support to those who have problems paying their bills and getting food for their families during the pandemic.

“Food – that’s the one thing I would want in this time,” Tom Katsenes told the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “My family and I, we’re very fortunate we don’t have that worry that some people may have.” 

He donated $700 and his mother, Lori Mann, donated $300 – totaling $1,000.

“I honestly didn’t need it,” Katsenes told the Catholic organization. 

An Army cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Katsenes studies American politics and completed his sophomore year from his family’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

“I naturally want to help people and do my part,” he told the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “And given the nature of what I’ve signed up to do in the military, I really feel that helping is something that I not only should do but need to do.”

Katsenes chose to donate a portion of his stimulus check after seeing a news segment covering the effect the coronavirus is having on local families, seeing families out of work, struggling to make ends meet and footage of people waiting in food pantry lines to be able to feed their families.

Katsenes and his mother had a history of volunteering in the Family Dining Room at St. Vincent de Paul’s. He volunteered as part of Boys Team Charity at Chaparral High School.

“I remember that was something I looked forward to doing,” Katsenes told the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “Part of it was getting to hang out with friends, but it was also that I enjoyed giving back. You come out feeling fortunate and grateful for what you have.” 

After Katsenes graduates, he plans to serve on active duty for five or more years.