the new year slowdown

Last Saturday I was at mass and noticed a member of our parish, a man who is also a volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, closing the food pantry closet. In his hands, a big bag of groceries. A single bag.
I volunteered some hours with the St. Vincent de Paul society when my work schedule allowed it. This group offers assistance to people in need all over the county - assistance with heating bills or groceries - and as a source of information about other available resources within the community. They do good work for people. So I know from experience that the rule of thumb is to provide a bag of groceries for each family member. The fact that he walked out with a single bag was telling. It means our pantry doesn't have it in stock to give, not like they have in the past.
I don't mention the SVdP to ask for a donation. You probably know a legitimate charity in your area. You may not find the idea of contributing to a faith-based charity appealing. But you know of something, and if you know, I urge you to give. Just this evening, I received an email from the head of the SVdP in Atlanta. Here's what it said, in part:

Last year we helped 179,927 of our Georgia neighbors. We provided over $1.2 million in food, clothing, furniture and cars to people without. We disbursed more than $5.72 million for rent, utilities, food, and medical expenses. 4141 volunteers gave 317,502 hours of their time. We did all this and more while maintaining our administrative expense ratio under 8%. Over 92% of your donations go directly to those in need! This time of the year is especially difficult for many due to the cold and the lack of seasonal work. And for us the donations that keep us doing what we must do tend to slow down as well.

I know quite a few of those volunteers. I'm proud of the work they do. I would remind you -- the needs of your neighbors continue in 2010. Find your outlet. Plug in. Remember those in need.

-- Laura