A number of branches of the Vincentian Family on the East Coast have already decided to collaborate in responding to this need in our backyard.The southern counties of West Virginia lie in the heart of Appalachia. Because of the faltering coal industry, jobs are scarce at best and the poverty rate is high. Our needs are many and basic: food and shelter. Below is a list of some of the items that our folks need. Perhaps you or your parish could help.
Perhaps you will be struck, as many have been who has seen this list, how simple and basic these needs are in comparison to what we take for granted.
Food (especially):
Peanut Butter
Tuna Fish
Flour
Rice
Soups
Dry Beans
Dry Milk
Clothing:
Because of limited space, please no adult clothing, except winter coats size XXL.
Socks
Infant & Children’s Winter Coats and Gloves
Personal Care Items:
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Soap
Deodorant
Feminine Products
Cosmetics
Infant Items:
Diapers
Receiving
Blankets
Outfits
Baby Wipes
Baby Oil
Baby Shampoo
Household Items:
Furniture
Pots and Pans
Dishes
Small Appliances
Large Appliances
Glassware
Bed Linens
Special Need: A pickup truck to transport items to needy families.
Building Supplies:
Paint
Caulk
Asphalt shingles
Bondura
Insulation
2 X 4’s
Plywood
Porch Decking
4 X 4’s (treated)
Trailer Underpinning
But, most of all, we need YOUR PRAYERS for God’s continued blessings on our ministry!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND CONCERN.
If you wish to provide some of these items or send volunteers to work in the area, please contact Debbie Stewart, Outreach Coordinator at P.O. Box 1057, Pineville, WV 24874, commdir@mail.wvnet.edu, 304-732-6800.
If you wish to donate money, please make checks payable to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, note on the check the donation is for the Conference of Southern West Virginia. Mail to: WV Task Force, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 927 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905.
Tags: Anti-poverty strategies
