2/15/10

WHAT IS THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL?

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a volunteer Catholic lay organization comprised of almost a million members in 131 countries who provide comfort and financial assistance to those in need.  Although the Society is Catholic-oriented, volunteer membership is not limited to Catholics but is open to anyone who believes in and supports its precepts, noted in Matthew 25:35-36.

NATIONAL PROGRAMS & BENEFITS

As an organization we provide a number of important functions to both the local community and the nation.  By collecting such items as clothing, furniture, household items, appliances, vehicles and other items, we are one of the major recycling resources in the country.  Millions of pounds of clothing, hundreds of thousands of pieces of furniture and ton after ton of household goods are given a second life and kept out of landfills.

By the prudent use of these items, the quality of life for many in need is improved within the local communities.  These community benefits are provided by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores throughout the United States as we help the men, women and children it is our privilege to serve.

REGIONAL PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS

The type of programs offered from the net revenues produced by store operations and financial donations vary throughout the country.  The programs or benefits of our local St. Vincent de Paul in LaPine we are privileged to offer are:

Food Bank Supplies / Food Vouchers	Utilities /  Heating Assistance
Medical Prescription Vouchers	Emergency Medical/Dental Services
Emergency Rental/Mortgage Payments	Gas (job interviews, appointments)
Transportation (car, bus)	Furniture
Clothing	Household Goods
Emergency Shelter (motels)	Referrals
Other Miscellaneous Services................	(necessary to maintain basic quality of life.)

"You are the servant of the poor..........They are your masters, and the more difficult they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them.  It is your love alone the poor will forgive you by the bread you will give them."   ~   St. Vincent de Paul   1581 - 1660 

 A special THANK YOU to Neighbor Impact and our corporate sponsors in providing surplus food and waste management services for our LaPine operations.  These firms include:  Shop Smart, Ray's Food Place, and Wilderness Garbage.  NOTE:  We are looking forward to the support of other corporate sponsors.