March 14, 2008

Be Our Guest / Don Striegel

St. Vincent de Paul Society’s food supply has reached critical low levels

The food supply at the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, 3001 E. 30th St., in Indianapolis has reached critical low levels.

We are unable to provide the 2,000 clients that come to the pantry each week—yes, each week—with a balanced selection that was available just a month or so ago. This situation is consistent with the reduced donations to food banks and pantries across the country.

If any groups would like to conduct a food drive to support the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, send a note to Info@SVDPindy.org or call 317-921-1403.

We are blessed with enough canned vegetables from last fall’s food drives (especially Catholic high schools), but could use the following items: cereal, canned meat or fish, soups, canned fruit, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, box dinners, peanut butter and personal care items. Items sent directly to the pantry help avoid the fees charged by other food sources.

Of course, any monetary donations are always needed. This allows St. Vincent de Paul Pantry to purchase needed products at a negotiated reduced cost from vendors.

Mail contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, P.O. Box 19133, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Funds received during March and April are eligible to participate in a matching grant from the Feinstein Foundation.

Visit our Web site, www.SVDPindy.org, for more information on the ministries and services of the society in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Thank you for your prayers and support of Vincentian volunteers dedicated to our motto: “Help Christ help the needy.”

(Don Striegel is the St. Vincent de Paul Pantry volunteer coordinator.)†

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