St. Philip students enhance St. Vincent de Paul efforts

From the Pittsburgh Catholic:

St. Philip students have a long tradition of helping the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the parish by collecting food items, clothing and Christmas gifts for their ministry. This year, however, the students have taken their partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to a new level by helping with the preparation and distribution of their donations. The society members began the school outreach with a special program in the church on the life and work of St. Vincent de Paul and the continuation of his legacy through the modern-day society,

Then came an invitation to join more closely in the work of the society with a call to participate in the Love Walk for The Poor to collect food and funds to help with the hungry.

St. Philip Middle School students were also encouraged to join in the monthly loading of trucks with food, clothing and household items for our parish mission in Tunnelton, West Virginia. Student volunteers stepped up to assist in loading special trucks with winter coats and garments for that mission.

In November and December, St. Philip School collected toiletries with each grade bringing in a particular item such as toothpaste, brushes, combs and soap for the homeless. Student volunteers then filled backpacks with the donations to be distributed through Duquesne University to those in need. The children will continue to bring food donations to each First Friday school Mass with plans underway to have student volunteers help in the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s parish food pantry by sorting and categorizing food donations.

By springtime there is hope to establish a Junior St. Vincent de Paul Society within the school community. The overarching goal is to acquaint the children with the needs of those close to home, demonstrate the way in which the St. Vincent de Paul Society addresses those needs, and provide a means through which students can personally help with this work.