I am sure you have heard the announcement at the end of mass about poor box contributions for the SVDP society. You may have wondered what SVDP is. The SVDP society is made up of volunteers from our parish. With the support of parish donations, the SVDPS helps the poor by assisting those who cannot pay their rent, mortgage, utility bills, or buy their medicine. We also keep a pantry to assist those who have little or nothing to eat.
The pantry is kept stocked by your generous donations of non-perishable items. We also receive donations of fresh meat, groceries and bread from federal government programs and local businesses. Our volunteers stock the pantry, pack the bags, and meet in pairs with clients to determine their needs. We then dispense the food and arrange to provide financial assistance for a portion of their utility bill, rent, etc.
	We also have a drive at Christmas for poor children who otherwise would not have a gift at this special time of year. You may have said to yourself, “I would like to help but I just don’t know how or where to go”... If you are willing to spend 2 hours a month you can begin by observing an SVDP team session with clients until you are comfortable trying it yourself with guidance from your partner. We also meet as a group periodically to share experiences. If you want to volunteer go to the parish ministries link for contact information, or if you would like to learn more about the society's history, visit the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baltimore website.

Food Pantry

As predicted, the demand for food is growing once again. We need your help in feeding the hungry. Please do not forget the disadvantaged when you shop this week. We need: Peanut butter, jelly, vegetables, canned tuna, meat, stew, fruit and ALL CEREAL including Wheatina and Oatmeal, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. Please bring a non-perishable food item to Mass every weekend and place it in the box located in the Narthex of the Church.

Hygiene Products

We ALWAYS need items such as: feminine sanitary supplies, bathroom tissue, soap, toothbrushes, dental floss, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers (sizes 4-5-6), and other items are always in demand. These items take a great deal of the Poor’s meager funds. Please place a hygiene item in your shopping cart and bring it to Mass with your food donation. These items take a great deal of money from people's budgets.