Holy Trinity St. Vincent de Paul prepares for its first Friends of the Poor Walk
The first Friends of the Poor Walk fundraiser will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Veteran’s Memorial Park pavilion, South Linden Avenue and East Dallas Street in Westmont. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
The cost to participate is $10. This special event will be a morning of walking, snacks, music, face painting and more for many to enjoy.
All proceeds benefit the needy in our community through the facilitation of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is “a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.”
The ministry is funded through donations from members, the church and other organizations.
What differentiates St. Vincent de Paul from other organizations are the home visits. The visit is not a business transaction but a meeting in friendship which gives members the opportunity to not only provide aid and comfort but to better understand the circumstances of those requesting help. Members, otherwise known as Vincentians, personally reach out to those in need in Westmont.
Did you know that in 2022, 11.6% of Westmont residents lived below the poverty line? Holy Trinity’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, a 501(c)(3) public charity was established in 1996 and assists those neighbors who need emergency assistance due to financial hardship.
Vincentian Jeanne Panke shares, “Many of those in need tell us, ‘Things were going ok … until they weren’t'. A few of the recent cases we have assisted in include a young mom managing with her boyfriend's help until he left. A single man needing his car for work but unable to afford repairs. A senior couple struggling to pay both rent and for essential medication. Countless other situations like these are where the St. Vincent de Paul Society steps in to help those in need in our community. We support our neighbors in a pinch with financial assistance, referrals, and prayers.”
Payton Royeca, director of communication at Holy Trinity, said, “Holy Trinity is excited to support our St. Vincent de Paul ministry with the Friends of the Poor Walk because it ties into our Diocese of Joliet 75th anniversary celebration. Our parish, like others in our diocese, has been tasked to celebrate service during the month of October. This event will commence our month of service to the community as a parish with our goal to reach out and respond to the various needs of the people in our community.”
Sign up to walk and attend the event on Sept. 28.
Online registration information coming soon. Registration will also be available on the day of the walk at 8:30 a.m.
The walk begins at 9 a.m. with fun to follow.
They are anticipating more than 100 walkers. Join them in helping our struggling neighbors.
Donations payable to SVDP Holy Trinity can be mailed to: The St. Vincent de Paul Society at 25 E. Richmond, Westmont, IL 60559. Learn more at www.holytrinitywestmont.org/ministries/svdp.