Dear Friend of St. Vincent de Paul:

With the paralyzing credit crisis and the Wall Street meltdown, most everyone—the affluent, professionals, middle class, blue-collar workers, students, retirees and even the “wealthy”—feels vulnerable.

Will I have a job? Will my business survive? Can I afford to retire? How will we pay the credit card bills? What about the college fund and the mortgage? What will the future hold for our children?

Now, we all know how the poor and the underemployed feel every day. Fortunately, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is there to help our neighbors during these rough times. And the amazing thing is, when the Society of St. Vincent de Paul visits the needy in their homes, the poor demonstrate incredible dignity. They often offer us food or a beverage. Recently, a mother, who picked up groceries from a local food depot, offered a visitor from St. Vincent de Paul some of her “extra” apples. Those who have little seem to give a lot.

Can you find the generosity in your heart to continue to give when times are tough? The assistance we provide to our needy neighbors depends on your donations.

One client, “Mary” provides an example of the kind of help we provide. She is the single mother of four children. Her ex-husband refuses to provide any support. “Mary” has not been able to find a single job that pays enough; she has had to work two jobs just to put food on the table. She tries to keep up with her bills, but rising costs, especially food, make it harder and harder. Her local St. Vincent de Paul conference helps with bills when needed and ensures that Santa visits “Mary's” family on Christmas.

Your support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will ensure that people like “Mary” are able to provide for their families. In addition to helping individuals, your donation will help us to extend assistance with the following special works:

• Food Depots
• Thrift Stores
• Matchan Nutrition Center
• Camps
• Rent Assistance
• Energy Assistance Program

Unfortunately, like everyone else, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is experiencing the strain of the current economic crisis. Our funding levels have fallen to a critical level. If you are able, could you find it in your heart to make a donation today. Generous donors like you will insure that we can continue to
help people in our community, even during the toughest times. May God continue to bless you and yours today and throughout the upcoming Christmas season.

Sincerely,

William D. Brazier
Executive Director