When Bill’s mother, Mary Elizabeth, passed away in May 2003, he was rummaging through her keepsakes.
 

He came across something he hadn’t seen before.
 

“We found a St. Vincent de Paul voucher for groceries,” said Bill Baugh­man, a longtime supporter. “I guess it had never been used. Maybe she just kept it as a reminder of how bad things could be. When I look back, my experience is trivial compared to other’s experience.”
 

As a child, Bill barely had his basic needs met.
 

“I grew up in straightened circum­stances, as the old saying goes … We were among the working poor. I didn’t like that I was a poor kid. It was the worst feeling in the world,” Bill added. “I know there were a lot of tearful Christ­mases.”
 

Regardless of the little his family had to live off of, Bill learned that often the secret to generosity isn’t about how much you give, but about giving something. He watched his mother, who was raised in Smoketown, care about the community even as her own family had their financial struggles.
 

“My mother, who went by Babe, was only making $300 a month, yet she was still giving $1 to $5 to charities (like St. Vincent de Paul) every month,” he said. “If the church needed help making dinner for people, she volun­teered. She didn’t have any money, but she always gave her time.”
 

Bill’s mother left such an impression on him that has lasted all these years later.
 

“She was filled with faith. She was Creole Catholic. It was just what German Catholics did. You gave to things. It was your duty,” Bill said. “In part, I give because of her, but also, it was something I saw all my life with my mother. I can’t recall a particular event. That’s just the way it was.”
 

After working nearly four decades at UofL, Bill retired at 57 years old. His wife, Cindi, worked in Catholic educa­tion for 45 years. They started increasing their financial donations upon retirement, but initially became SVDP supporters in 1991 when they got married.
 

“I wish I could give more every time I do because it’s not that much, especially because you all do so much for so many,” Bill said. “I’ve always been impressed with the quality of the work that St. Vincent de Paul does.”
 

They are currently Good Samaritan monthly donors.
 

“We live somewhat modestly so we can give somewhat generously,” he said.
 

If you would like to become a monthly supporter, visit www.svdplou.org/month­ly-giving.
 

End of Year Gifts & 2026 Tax Changes
 

Beginning in 2026, new federal rules will change how charitable deductions work. Itemizing taxpayers will only be able to deduct the portion of their charitable giving that exceeds 0.5% of their adjusted gross income, and those in the highest tax bracket will see their deduction benefit capped at 35%. Because current rules are more favorable, 2025 is an especially beneficial year to make your charitable gifts. We encourage you to consider giving before December 31 to maximize your tax benefits and support our mission.