Column: Friends of the Poor Thanks...and Results!

Two weekends ago, our local Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) held its annual Friends of the Poor Walk to raise awareness and funds to help people in need here in eastern Wright County. It was a truly blessed afternoon: The weather was perfect; the Walk and lunch were lovely; we gave away great door prizes; and everyone left with a smile for a job well done.

Turnout was down a little—123 walkers of all ages, versus 149 from last year, but we expected that, since Saint Andrew in Elk River formed their own conference this past fall. Donations, however, are up yet again: from $21,000 last year to nearly more than $29,000 this year. After expenses, $28,000+ will go to direct support for neighbors in need!

And the need is great. It’s easy to miss in this community—we don’t see people standing on street corners or sleeping under overpasses. But in truth, our SVdP conference is one of the busiest in the state! We take multiple calls a week from individuals and families in need. Some are homeless, living in their vehicles. Some are living indoors, but in circumstances that aren’t safe even in good weather. Some are unemployed or disabled. Some are working but can’t make ends meet. We go out in pairs to meet with them wherever they are, pray with them, and learn what they need. We bring their needs back to the conference and decide how to help. Maybe they need help with rent or utilities. Maybe they need car repairs so they can get back to work. Maybe they face problems that are beyond our abilities—if so, we try to help them navigate state and county offices and other agencies to get the support they need.

The money raised by the Friends of the Poor Walk helps in this mission, but as you can probably imagine, this is a people-intensive effort. And honestly, that’s what matters most: Real people listening to, talking with, praying for, and loving their neighbors in any circumstance.

Dollars can change circumstances, but caring hearts can change lives.

To everyone who donated to the Walk this year, thank you for helping us fund our mission as we head into the cold winter months. For everyone who walked, thank you for standing in solidarity with St. Vincent de Paul and the neighbors we serve.

And for everyone who might feel a stirring in their heart to do more, take the next step: Donate if you haven’t. Walk with us if you haven’t. Or maybe it’s time to ask about joining us. You can find more information online at stmcatholicchurch.org/svdp.

God bless you!
Jim Thorp

P.S. All of our top fudnraisers/donors this year wished not to be recognized, so we are not sharing Gold and Silver Shoe winners. God bless their generosity!

P.P.S. Please help us thank our sponsors and donors:

• BENEFACTOR: Healing Moments Counseling
• PATRONS: Archangel Stomp LLC, Coborns of Albertville, Eating Elevated, Humble Threads
• NEIGHBORS: Fehn Companies, The Leonard Team/ReMax Results
• DONORS: A&A Outdoor Services, A Fisher and a Baker, Apple Jack Orchards, Deer Lake Orchard, Fleet Farm of Monticello, Holy Gifts, Homegrown, Mrs. Jones Sourdough Kitchen, Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. Andrew Conference, and the local St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.