ROCK FALLS OPTIMISTS BLESS SVdP FOOD PANTRY WITH OVERWHELMING DONATION OF FOOD

The SVdP Food Pantry was greatly blessed with a very generous truckload of food donated by the Rock Falls Optimists as shown in the photos. This donation exhibits the care and compassion the Rock Falls Optimists express towards their neighbors in need during a time when families are struggling with putting food on the table. With the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, their donation will be a true blessing to so many families. God Bless you for choosing to make a difference in the lives of your neighbors in need. We are so thankful.

FALL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN 2023 

Dear Friend, 

St. Vincent de Paul Society has experienced a significant increase over the past fiscal year in the number of families being served at our food pantry. This is due primarily to the ever-rising costs in food, utilities, fuel and housing, making it more difficult for our neighbors to meet simple, basic needs. 

The approach to our Fall Fundraising Campaign in 2023 is a simple, honest and truthful approach with you, our friends, who have so generously supported us through the years in our dedicated mission of helping our neighbors in need in the communities of Whiteside County. We are truly grateful for your past support and generosity. 

The simple, honest truth is that more and more of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet and they need our help. Unfortunately, food insecurity is rising in Whiteside County. We have served approximately 72% more individuals with food this current fiscal year over the previous fiscal year. This year alone we have provided food to 15,664 of our neighbors, up from 9,114 of last year. We also helped 457 families with utilities, fuel and medical prescriptions. To continue to meet the nutritional and financial needs of our neighbors who are struggling requires your help. Without continued support from friends like you, we could not do what we do. They count on us! 

We honestly and fully realize that these are trying times for us all. We sincerely hope you are able to support us with a donation this year; but if you are unable to do so, we totally understand. We simply ask for your prayers that our mission continues on to help our neighbors in need. Thank you and may God bless you. 

SEPTEMBER NUMBERS ASSISTING FAMILIES

SVdP assisted 523 families in September with food and financial aid. SVdP distributed food to 488 families, make up of 1077 adults and 533 children, total of 1610. Financial aid assisted 42 families in utilities, prescriptions and gas to doctor appointments. SVdP is very grateful to the generosity of local businesses, the community and other donations received that have supported us. GOD BLESS

NEWMAN STUDENTS STEP UP ONCE AGAIN TO KEEP PANTRY SHELVES STOCKED AT SVdP

Newman Central Catholic High School students show their support of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry by delivering 67 boxes of canned goods from their annual food drive. The students from Newman have been doing their part in helping our neighbors in need and making a difference in their community by holding an annual food drive for several years. A big THANK YOU to the students of Newman Central Catholic High School for their selfless efforts and hard work in stepping up to help keep the shelves stocked at the SVdP pantry for our neighbors in need.

SVdP HELPING FAMILIES IN AUGUST

There were 690 families SVdP helped in August with food and financial aid. Food distribution was given to 619 families, consisting of 1388 adults and 577 children, total of 1965. In financial aid 72 families were helped in areas of utilities, gas for doctor appointments and prescriptions. Thank you Whiteside County for your generosity.

SVdP ENGAGES WITH CONFIRMATION STUDENT AND HER SERVICE PROJECT

Zoe Como chose St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry to complete a service at the Pantry. A Confirmation Student, Zoe stained the entry walkway at the food pantry as her service project for her Confirmation Class at Sacred Heart Parish. Zoe also has a paper to complete explaining her project. She is a daughter of Kate Scott and is an 8th grader at St. Mary’s School in Sterling. Keep her in your prayers as she moves forward to Confirmation.