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32 A TIME FOR GIVING

St. Vincent de Paul of some from Elmore County, and up to four languages.

the program is currently seeking
“Our mission is to give people
Southwest Idaho’s mission volunteers. hope,” May said. “They’re our
neighbors; we help them. We
“That’s a very powerful thing, to
is to prevent homelessness. do that,” May said. “It’s interesting don’t ask anything of the people
to visit with the people who come
we help. We are serious about
through.”
St. Vincent de Paul of South- that.”
west Idaho’s mission is to prevent ‘Having a successful

The week of Thanksgiving donated was estimated to have homelessness across Ada, Canyon reentry into society
always proves to be one of the cost around $125,000, said and parts of Elmore counties. In
busiest times of year for St. Vincent Executive Director Ralph May. addition to its holiday programs, starts with day 1’
de Paul of Southwest Idaho. “It has been a huge thing,” May the nonprofit offers assistance op- Several of St. Vincent de Paul’s
Last year, the nonprofit gave said, adding the nonprofit’s ap- portunities year-round. volunteers specialize in reentry
over 2,000 Thanksgiving Food preciation for all the community’s Food pantries operate in Boise, services for men and women
Boxes — complete with turkey support in making it happen. Caldwell, Meridian, Mountain exiting prison, sometimes between
and traditional fixings — to “Sometimes it’s a step out in faith Home and Nampa, currently three to eight times a week.
families at Expo Idaho. This year, that it’s going to get covered.” drive-thru. Food donations can The program provides
though, the food box program is Come December, St. Vincent de be dropped off at pantries, espe- transportation from prison to St.
going to look a little different. Paul of Southwest Idaho will host cially during operation hours. St. Vincent de Paul’s reentry office,
For the past 40+ years, St. its annual Christmas Toy Store. Vincent de Paul also offers mul- where reentering residents will
Vincent de Paul, in partnership Community members can tiple thrift stores throughout the receive a clothing voucher to
with up to 17 different churches, donate financially via the website Treasure Valley. the thrift stores, assistance with
has provided holiday meals to or by bringing new toys and other “They can work together and consistent transportation — such
local families through donations gifts to two locations this year you get a synergy,” May said. “I as the bus system or obtaining a
purchased and boxed by local — the Broadway Avenue store feel we’re blessed to have those bicycle — and referrals to other
residents, a “family to family act of and Treasure Valley Community resources to draw on. We have a assistance agencies — such as
charity” as it is described. Some of College’s Caldwell campus, a new very complex system.” food assistance programs.
these families that have given in location May is appreciative of. The pandemic also provided an Most of the volunteers in
previous years, however, are not Parents or guardians sign up for opportunity for St. Vincent de Paul the program have been in
shopping traditionally due to the the program, then pick up gifts for to further help the southwestern prison themselves, May said,
pandemic. children up to age 18. Due to cur- Idaho area by adding mobile food meaning they can also provide
This means St. Vincent de Paul rent COVID-19 concerns, appoint- delivery service (via refrigerated an empathetic ear for those
is relying on financial donations, ments are requested. truck). An intern works to provide transitioning.
and will do much of the grocery Approximately 3,400 people recipes and works with refugee “They can talk about what
shopping. Last year, the food were helped last year, including services to translate the recipes in they’re feeling [or] they can use

St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho is an independent, non-profit,
501(c)3 charitable organization that exists to help people and prevent homelessness.
None of our services would be possible without the generous contributions from people like you.
We can direct your monthly By donating online you can choose one of these options:
or one-time donation to the
current area of greatest need. • Thanksgiving Food Box • Financial Donations
• Christmas Toy Store
• Donate Your Vehicle
You can also direct your • Donate Goods • Planned Giving
donation to a specific cause. • Donation Pickup • Volunteer

TO DONATE GO TO: svdpid.org