November means Thanksgiving boxes.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) hands out flattened boxes to Resurrection parishioners in November, asking the boxes be filled for Thanksgiving meals for those in our community who might go without.
However, the Society is much more than this once-a-year drive.
“Our primary purpose is to bring the love and peace of Christ to those who are suffering. In doing so, we bring the gift of ourselves and our time.” SVdP collects food and raise funds in order to help and demonstrate the truth of the central message of Christianity.
SVdP offers a variety of programs and services, including home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, education and mentoring, food pantries, dining halls, clothing, assistance with transportation, prescription medication, and rent and utility costs. The Society also works to provide care for the sick, the incarcerated and the elderly.
Working locally together, the members of Resurrection SVdP Conference offer their time and support to members of the community. They bring emergency food boxes to the homes of those who express need through the Portland Council Emergency phone line, the Resurrection Parish Office or by reaching out to parishioners.
Through the generous donations of Resurrection’s Parishioners and the community, the 30-plus members of Resurrection Conference provides:
- Rent and utility assistance
- Food delivery
- Thanksgiving boxes
- Supports Bridges-to-Change organization with food donations
- Supports the local Backpack Program with grant funds
In all of 2015, the Resurrection Conference provided:
- Rental and utility assistance for 55 families.
- 318 families have been provided emergency food boxes
- 2,930 volunteer hours served.
- 15,417 pounds of food donated.
- 4,010 miles driven.
Much of the Society’s funding comes from its annual appeal beginning in October.
“I am appreciative and humbled by all the support from our parish. Seeing the whole community support the great work of SVdP accomplish,” said Thomas Frank, President of Resurrection Conference. “Its mission has been rewarding and impactful to our community.”
Resurrection Conference was the first and for many years, the only conference providing and handing out food boxes for Thanksgiving Day in the Portland metro area. The boxes include the traditional thanksgiving trimmings and a $20 gift card for the purchase of a turkey to complete the thanksgiving meal.
While service is a visible outcome, so is the personal spiritual growth. “The primary role of the Vincentian is not to pay the bills, furnish groceries, or clothe someone. The role of the Vincentian is to provide loving and compassionate interest in individuals. If that interest calls for food, clothing or other assistance so be it. However, it is in loving where the contact with Christ emerges. That contact with Christ is what separates the Society of St. Vincent de Paul from just another social agency.” (Source: Who We Are, SVdP Portland Council)
Visitors and potential new members are always welcome to sit in our meetings on the third Sunday of the month at 9:15 AM (between the Sunday morning masses). Please contact us to be sure of the meeting day and location.
For emergency assistance of food, rent or utilities, please call the Portland Council Emergency Line: 503-235-8431
To read more about the St. Vincent de Paul society, go to: http://rcparish.org/ministries/svdp/