St. Vincent de Paul Makes Special Effort to Help Neighbors in Drive-Thru Food Distribution

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge (SVdP) gave an "extra boost" to families facing challenging economic times during its Neighbors Helping Neighbors food giveaway.

On Nov. 15, SVdP provided food for 67 households, totaling 1,185 pounds of food, offering comfort and hope to families facing challenging times.

The drive-thu distribution helped provide some relief for people struggling financially, especially with the Thanksgiving holidays approaching, according to Sonnie Johnson-Lain, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul.

"It's great to see the relief and happiness on their faces and chat with them as they pull through," said Johnson-Lain.

Communities and parishes responded generously when SVdP had a drive through collection, which enabled them to provide the food boxes, according to Dr. Toni Jackson, SVdP director of development.
St. Vincent de Paul provided food and words of encouragement to people in need during its Neighbors Helping Neighbors food giveaway. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator"What brings us here today is just our everyday mission. Our mission is to feed, clothe, house, and heal," said Jackson ..."We have 15-25 volunteers who are helping put together the boxes with food for our neighbors to eat."

Many people may take for granted where their next meal is coming from. But people in need are often anxious about this, according to Dave Kirtland, SVdP marketing and communications coordinator.

 "We wanted to take the opportunity to help our neighbors in need and help provide some stability and bring some comfort, which we all know that food does .... It's been wonderful. It's always such a beautiful moment. There's kindness on all sides," said Kirtland.

James McLaughlin, and his nephew, Julius Dunaway, volunteered side by side loading vehicles.

"I love helping people," said James. "And Julius is getting into volunteering, so he's getting some good experience today."

James and Julius especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk with the people they are helping.

"It makes me happy, and it makes everyone else happy," Julius said.
For more information about the services provided by SVdP and to donate, visit svdpbr.net.