Suzanne Warren is the president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Western District. COURTESY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Vincent de Paul opens new help center in McCracken County
BY BELINDA ABELL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – McCracken County had a perfect day for their open house, dedication, and blessing of the new St. Vincent de Paul Help Center. In her remarks, SVDP – Western District president Suzanne Warren thanked those who had given their time and talent to convert the building into a usable space for SVDP’s needs. She gave special thanks to Fr. Frank Roof who generously donated the funds to purchase the building. She further noted he is also donating the funds to pave the parking lot next month. This generosity led to a special dedication the building to recognize Fr. Frank Roof in a special way.
Warren said, “Fr. Roof has a special love for those who struggle to meet their daily needs. You will often find him here at our help center loading food into boxes or bags for the neighbors we serve, talking to them about their situations and offering words of encouragement and prayer.”
The SVDP Help Center is a busy place, seeing on average 30 or more individuals on their open days from Paducah and McCracken County. The help center operates with more than 50 volunteers who help sort, move, price, and pick up donations (and they could use even more). These volunteers come from the area’s four Catholic parishes and other faith communities. Not only are food needs provided to neighbors in need but also at times financial assistance with rent, utility bills, medical bills, and other essential daily needs.
Moving the help center into a new building from the SVDP Budget Store allows the budget store to expand its offerings of gently used furniture, clothing, housewares, and other unique items. Funds from the SVDP Budget Store are used to supplement financial donations to help local neighbors in need.
SVDP Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky, Inc. president, Nancy Harris said, “We’re truly humbled and honored by the expansion of services in Paducah-McCracken County as well as, our dedicated Vincentians throughout our 32-county service area. We invite you to partner with us by donating to any of our seven thrift stores or parish-based conferences.”
Belinda Abell is the external affairs director for Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky, Inc.
Originally printed in the May 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
