Help Us Help Others

St. Anthony de Padua "Bags" Success With New Collection Method
Eco-friendly shopping bags and an announcement by the priest were all it took to get an area parish excited about donating food to the newly poor.
The congregation of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church more than filled its food pantry for the poor recently, using new shopping bags provided by the Society.
"It was an incredible response," said John Cheeseman, President of the St. Anthony de Padua Vincentians. "There were 275 bags given out on Memorial Day weekend. The next Sunday, every bag that came in was filled. Even people who didn't have bags also brought in food in plastic bags. Every space in our pantry was taken up by the collection, and we donated the extra to the main pantry at St. Vincent de Paul, on Ardmore Trail."
Cheeseman said the shopping bags were a "major influence" in getting the parishioners to bring food in. The bags measure 13 inches by 13 inches and they are blue, with Saint Vincent de Paul and its phone number written on them. They are made of recycled plastic.
They were purchased by the Society to make it more convenient for parishioners to donate regularly.
Also helping the effort was an announcement made by the Rev. Derrick Sneyd, pastor of St. Anthony's:
"If you have three cans of baked beans in your home pantry, can you share one with the needy? If you have six rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom cabinet, can you share two with the needy? If you have five boxes of a variety of cereal, can you share one with the needy?"
Apparently, the parishioners answered "yes" and proceeded to fill the bags and return them!
If you would like your church to become involved in this convenient collection program, please call Charlie Thompson at 251-4908. We are also looking for business sponsors to help us purchase more bags!

Inspired by Gospel values, the St. Vincent de Paul Society brings people together in prayer and in person-to person service to those who are in need and suffering-providing food, clothing and financial assistance to families in our community. Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice, and collaborate with others who share this vision.

Join us for the 3rd Annual LaSalle Retrofest

"Celebrating the '80s"
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On the grounds of the LaSalle Branch
St. Joseph County Public Library

Bring cans of food for St. Vincent de Paul's food pantry, and receive up to 5
" Book Bucks" to use at the Friends of the Library Book Sale or to buy sales books at any library location.

There will be animal balloons, face painting, and refreshments as well as music of the 1980's. See you there, dressed in 80's style clothing and hair!