 In 2016...
26 Volunteers distributed 3,500 youngsters with backpacks filled with grade-specific materials and supplies.
Below: Bob, Jasmine and Debbie Christian 
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School Supplies have been donated directly to school districts which responded to our invitation to receive school supplies.
Working with the poor and needy can be challenging, and sometimes quite difficult. However, one of the really pronounced rewards is seeing that you’ve made a difference. Our counselors see this when a desperate mother is told we can help her pay the rent and avoid eviction. We see it in a young man’s face who has landed a promising job interview, when he is told we can help him put together a decent outfit to wear for the occasion. But it is really impactful when you see hundreds of children’s joyous faces as they receive their very own bag of school supplies. Supplies which mean they can properly start the new school year without being embarrassed because they lack the essentials to do their work successfully.
St. Vincent de Paul has been handing out school supplies to the less fortunate in the valley for many years now. In 2016, we served over 3,500 youngsters with some $90,000 worth of materials. The glowing faces seen over the five days materials were handed out sent the repeated message to our volunteers that they were making a difference. |