"Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an international Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul."  (from Mission statement of SVdP-USA)

At Holy Family Parish, the Society has incorporated a Conference which operates an active food pantry located in the NW corner of the Parish Center, serving over 450 families per year in its weekly operations, plus another 100 families in its Christmas Food Box program. We also provide rent & utility assistance to 20 - 30 families in the SE Portland area, and some financial assistance to neighboring parish Conferences which have difficulty meeting their own demand. Anyone needing assistance should first call the Portland Council's client line,
503-235-8431.  

CHRISTMAS FOOD BOXES

 Once again, we are asking you to fill one box with the list of food items contained in each box.  The list is also included on the parish’s on-line bulletins.  

1. Starting 11/28 or 11/29, please take a box with the shopping list home from church or Celebration Hall.  We can deliver boxes to those who have elected not to attend mass.  Fill the box yourself or ask friends, neighbors or relatives to help you fill it.  It is OK to use shopping bags if necessary.

2. Bring the box (or bags) to the church or Celebration Hall by December 13 (preferably earlier if possible).  If you are not attending mass, please notify us and we will arrange to have the box (or bags) picked up.  We will have people to assist you in unloading or carrying the boxes to Celebration Hall – please do not hesitate to ask us if you need help.  

3. On Saturday, December 19th, come to Celebration hall at 9:00AM with your family or friends and take filled boxes to those who are in need.  If you are by yourself, we will try to pair you up with someone else.  This is exactly how we have done this program in the past and it is an excellent way to start your holiday gift giving!!

Questions?  Feel free to contact Roberta Gamache, Dan Hoffa or Don  Wolkerstorfer– our numbers are in the printed and on-line bulletins. 

God bless you for all you do for others!!
  

Christmas Food Box Shopping List 2021

Every year St Vincent de Paul delivers food boxes to our neighbors in need.  We are publishing our list early this year so you can have a chance to “bargain” shop if you choose.

We will be giving out the empty boxes after Thanksgiving.  There will also be more information about deadlines when the boxes are due.  This list will also be available on Flocknote online bulletins.

Please do not include fresh, refrigerated or frozen foods. We also request that you don’t overfill the box.  If the box is too heavy to lift, grocery bags are an acceptable alternative or we could arrange to pick the box up at your residence.

Here is our suggested list of needed items to fill a “Christmas Box”

1)    1 jar of peanut butter (1 pound) & 1 jam or jelly (18 oz.)
2)    Instant coffee (4-6 oz.), tea & hot cocoa mix (you choose 1 or 2 items)  
3)    3 cans of tuna fish (5 oz.)                                                                                                                        
4)    1 box of cold cereal (18 oz.) & oatmeal (12-18 oz. box)                                                                    
5)    3 boxes of Mac-N-Cheese                                                                                                                              
6)    Package of dry pasta, spaghetti or similar (1  12-16 oz. package)                                                   
7)    Canned pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce (1 24 oz. can)                                                                     
8)    Canned fruit, peaches, pears or similar (3 cans total)  (12-16 oz.)                                          
9)    Canned vegetables, green beans, corn, or similar (3 cans total) (12-16 oz.)                                                 
10)  Canned soups, stew and chili (4 cans total) (10-16 oz.)                                                                                             
11)  Dry packaged mashed potatoes (1 box)                                                                                                 
12)  Packaged gravy mix (2 packages)                                                                                                        
13)  Jell-O (1 box) & pudding (1 box)                                                                                                         
14)  Cookies (1 or 2 packages)

 We will supply bread, butter, pancake mix, syrup and a gift card for a main dish the day the boxes are to be delivered.  

Thank you again for your kindness, generosity and continued support!