A member of the Paducah/McCracken County St. Vincent de Paul conference assists a neighbor in need in this undated photo. COURTESY OF SVDP
A year-end gift: Lighting the way for our neighbors
BY BELINDA ABELL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season encourages reflection, many of us turn our thoughts to ways we can make a difference in our community. For more than 62 years in western Kentucky, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) has been a steadfast source of hope, offering person-to-person assistance to those facing hardships. Your year-end gift provides a crucial lifeline, ensuring that the work of the dedicated Vincentian volunteers, continues right where it’s needed most: in local communities.
The SVdP Conferences know their neighbors and their specific needs. This allows your donation to be incredibly impactful, providing tangible aid such as preventing homelessness (offering financial assistance for rent and utilities to keep families in their homes), essential needs (distributing food, clothing, and other basic necessities), healing and health (connecting individuals with low-cost or free medical care and prescription medications), and building a future (providing educational resources and support to help break the cycle of poverty).
“A gift to SVdP often represents more than just a transaction; it’s a ‘hand up,’ offering dignity and a path toward a brighter future, as seen in countless stories of individuals inspired by the help they received to later become volunteers themselves,” said James Dale, SVdP diocesan president.
Beyond the powerful charitable impact, making your donation before Dec. 31 can offer significant tax advantages. Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your donation’s value. Check with your employer to see if your gift is eligible.
“The need for support is constant, and the winter months often present the greatest challenges for those facing struggles with poverty,” said Richard Remp-Morris, SVdP CEO.
Your year-end gift enables SVdP to continue serving the marginalized in our communities, ensuring that vulnerable neighbors will not face the months ahead alone. Your contribution makes a meaningful difference, helping Vincentians bring Christ’s presence, dignity, and hope to millions of people in poverty across the United States. Please give the gift of hope to those in need this Christmas Season.
Learn how you can help at svdpwky.org or call (270) 315-5747.
By giving before the end of the year, you not only support vital programs but also maximize your charitable tax benefits for the current tax year. To donate visit svdpwky.org/donate or mail your donation to SVdP, P. O. Box 1203, Owensboro, KY, 42302-1203.
Originally printed in the December 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
