2. Helping Neighbors Starts at Home Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organization of women and men who grow spiritually by helping the needy and suffering.

3. Unlike some very worthwhile charitable organizations, which help those in other parts of the country or in other parts of the world, we’re dedicated to providing person-to-person service to all those in need right here at home. Helping Neighbors Starts at Home

4. The Society was first formed in Paris, France, by Frederic Ozanam in 1833. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is now the world’s largest social assistance organization, with operations in over 140 countries on five continents. In Neighborhoods Throughout the World

5. More than 800,000 Vincentian volunteers worldwide work to further Bl. Frederic’s vision to “embrace the whole world in a network of charity.” In Neighborhoods Throughout the World

6. The “Society of St. Vincent de Paul” was named in honor of the 16th century French saint revered for his work among the needy. He is also the patron saint of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. In Neighborhoods Throughout the World

7. Just 12 years after the Society began in France, the first chapter in the United States was started at the Old Cathedral in 1845. In St. Louis

8. Today, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis, is one of the oldest and most well- respected charities in St. Louis. It consists of more than 3,000 volunteer members belonging to 142 parish-based conferences (chapters), who serve individuals and families in need throughout the Greater St. Louis area. In St. Louis

9. We provide food, clothing, furniture, transportation, utility and prescription drug assistance to those who need help based on an assessment made by trained Vincentian volunteers, who meet with those who seek help. In St. Louis

10. Last year, the Society assisted nearly 265,000 people, providing $5.9 million in direct aid, and collecting $6.1 million in in-kind goods. In St. Louis

11. Our thrift stores provide donated clothing and household items to those in need, at little or no cost, based on vouchers provided by our parish-based conferences. Everyone is encouraged to shop at our stores to help support our programs. In St. Louis

12. We currently have six stores: Dellwood 10052 W. Florissant Ave. St. Louis, MO 63136 Fenton 625 Gravois Rd. Fenton, MO 63026 Lemay Ferry 3924 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63125 In St. Louis St. Charles 1069 Regency Parkway St. Charles, MO 63303 South City 4928 Christy Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63116 West County 13986 Manchester Rd. Ballwin, MO 63011 NEW LOCATION NEW STORE

13. Proceeds from the sale of donated vehicles fund our transportation assistance program to include car repairs and purchases, sometimes made with low-interest loans through financial partners. Vehicles that can be donated for a tax deduction include cars, trucks, vans, boats, motorcycles, or motor homes, running or not. In St. Louis

14. The Society also partners with other agencies, nonprofits, and people of good will to provide additional services to offer a total package of support. In doing this work, we grow in our faith and serve our neighbors right here at home. In St. Louis

15. Make a financial gift to the conference in your parish, if you are blessed to have one. If not, you can make a gift directly to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louis Council. Mail your gift to: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis PO Box 795039 St. Louis, MO 63179-0795 How You Can Help – Donate

16. You can also call (314) 881-6035, or visit www.svdpstl.org to make a donation online. Some employers provide matching funds. How You Can Help – Donate

17. You can also donate clothing or household goods to one of our thrift stores. To schedule a furniture pickup, call (314) 881-6006 or e-mail donations@svdpstl.org. How You Can Help – Donate

18. To donate a vehicle, call toll free (800) 322-8284, or fill out the online donation form at www.svdpusacars.com. The Society will handle all the details, including towing, free of charge. How You Can Help – Donate

19. Shop at our thrift stores. Each and every purchase you make supports vital programs that help those in need throughout the St. Louis area. Plus, you can find hidden treasures and great bargains for your own family. To find a store location close to where you live or work, or to volunteer at a store, call (314) 881-6000, or visit www.svdpstl.org. How You Can Help – Shop

20. Become a Vincentian volunteer by contacting your parish rectory, if you have a parish conference. Or contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis by calling (314) 881-6028, or visit www.svdpstl.org. How You Can Help – Volunteer

21. We welcome all those who wish to live their faith by loving and serving their neighbor. In coming closer to those in need, you are coming closer to God. How You Can Help – Volunteer

22. Contact your local parish conference immediately. Or connect with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis, by calling the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline and asking for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in your area. Dial 2-1-1 on your phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the 2-1-1 website at www.211helps.org. If You Need Help or Know Someone Who Does

23. If you are not sure if your local parish has a conference, call (314) 881-6000 or visit www.svdpstl.org. Use the conference finder on the website to identify the conference nearest you. Assistance is provided directly through parish-based St. Vincent de Paul conferences (chapters) located throughout the St. Louis region. If You Need Help or Know Someone Who Does

24. Help is available to all, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or age. If You Need Help or Know Someone Who Does