Organization reaches out to less fortunate
With Christmas right around the corner, Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteer Jackie Fages said less fortunate community members need help more than ever.
“You see it on the news and hear about it on the radio,” she said. “It’s hard times right now. Someone who is making minimum wage, and who has three children, isn’t eating very much.”
To ensure everyone has a hearty meal for Christmas, Fages said the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Alphonsus Parish in McDonald, and members of McDonald Volunteer Fire Department, will be delivering boxed meals to families across Washington County Dec. 19.
Fages said the food items, which were donated by an individual wishing to remain anonymous, will be boxed early on the 19th at the church and delivered to the families in the evening.
“In the past, the families have gotten a ham, a 10-pound bag of potatoes, frozen corn, a pie and other goodies,” she said. “It really is quite an endeavor putting the boxes together.”
This year, Fages said 62 Washington County families will receive the boxed meals, a number that well exceeds pervious years.
“In the past, we could help 18 families, tops. Three years ago, this individual starting donating, and we were able to help more,” she said. “It has blossomed tremendously. Last year, we helped 46 families.”
McDonald Volunteer Fire Department President Joe Rehak said the department is always supportive of the organization and the community they help serve.
“It’s what we do,” he said. “We are always involved in the community.”
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic volunteer organization dedicated to serving the poor and disadvantaged. For more information, call St. Alphonsus Parish at 724-926-2984.