By Marnie McAllister, Record Assistant Editor
Nearly 2,000 children will have toys to open on Christmas morning thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donors who have assisted Catholic Charities’ Sister Visitor Center and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. (Pictured: Dick Scherrer, SVDP Board Member and Santa Shop volunteer, sorts clothing donations for Sunday’s event.)
The two Catholic charities collected thousands of gifts to give away this season from local parishes, businesses and individuals.
At the Sister Visitor Center this week, more than 200 impoverished families — with more than 1,000 children — from the Russell, Portland and Shawnee neighborhoods in West Louisville are picking up sackfuls of gifts. That number is expected to grow as more families sign up with the charity.
“They are so appreciative,” said Sister Michele Intravia, an Ursuline Sister of Mount St. Joseph who directs the Sister Visitor Center at 2235 W. Market. “People say they feel so blessed to come to us. And that’s the real meaning of Christmas — to come closer to God. It gives you a sense of hope,” she said.
Hopefulness and cheer were apparent on Dec. 15, as two dozen Sister Visitor volunteers prepared the sacks of toys and other gifts for families.
About 100 people from local parishes and businesses volunteered throughout the week, Sister Intravia said. They used Christmas wish lists submitted by families to fill black plastic bags with two toys per child, stuffed animals, books, crayons, hats and gloves. Each family also received a blanket and a set of towels. And each family member received three new pairs of socks and underwear.
In January, these families will return to pick out new clothing and coats that were donated to the center, Sister Intravia said.
The donated items came primarily from half a dozen parishes in Louisville, she added, noting that other donations came from a handful of local businesses and families.
“I cannot say enough for the parishes in the archdiocese and our volunteers,” Sister Intravia said. “We could never pull something like this off without them.”
In addition to those helping this week, Sister Intravia said five Catholic school principals helped sort gifts last week.
And she said that a new group for boys and their fathers at St. Margaret Mary Church will be pitching in, too. The boys’ and men’s group plans to take gifts and Christmas dinners to three families that reside outside of Sister Visitor’s service area, she said. They will make their deliveries on Christmas Eve.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVDP) annual Santa Shop expects to help 330 families this year — and a total of 850 children.
On Dec. 21, parents will be able to shop for their children among the donated gifts at the society’s new Family Success Center, 1029 S. Preston St. The families receiving gifts include those referred to the society by parish SVDP conferences around the area, refugees resettled by Catholic Charities and families served by the Volunteers of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana.
During the giveaway next Sunday, the society expects to have from 100 to 150 volunteers on hand to help.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul also expects to give Christmas dinner baskets to about 328 clients.
Dick Scherrer, SVDP board member and Santa Shop co-chair, sorted donations for the society’s Santa Shop. (Photo Special to The Record)
Amy Johnson says
Please Im in need of food basket for thanks giving anf Christmas for my 14 years old and my 11 years old thanks
Lesa Staten says
In Need hello in the saint Ignatius St Vincent de Paul Parish and I’m in need of food for the hot for the Christmas my husband recently just had a blood clot in the back of his eyes and has had a stroke and one of these guys and I can’t hardly get around because of a hip replacement shoulder replacement and a knee replacement I hope you can help us can you please help us have having a hard time we appreciate your help anything you can help with thank you very much God bless you
David Sharpe says
To request food, clothing, or emergency financial assistance with rent or utility bills, contact our receptionist during weekday business hours (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) at (502) 584-2480, ext. 345. We offer referrals to many local agencies and may be able to assist you through referrals to one of our SVDP Conferences in Louisville, Central Kentucky or Southern Indiana. Please note: We do not provide financial assistance through SVDP’s offices at our downtown campus or administration building.
Amanda Mason says
Dear Mrs.Staten,
My Names Amanda, I’m a single mom here in new Albany, I seen your comment and just wanted to let you know I cook for my 12 yr olds each evening and I’d be happy to make extra and Drop it off any day especially Christmas. I don’t have much to offer monetarily, but but I’d gladly give you my time, warm food, and help with what I can. I’m really sorry your having a though holiday season.
Best wishes, A. Mason
502-345-0584
Amanda Mason says
Dear Mrs.Staten,
My Names Amanda, I’m a single mom here in new Albany, I seen your comment and just wanted to let you know I cook for my 12 yr olds each evening and I’d be happy to make extra and Drop it off any day especially Christmas. I don’t have much to offer monetarily, but but I’d gladly give you warm food, and help with what I can. I’m really sorry your having a though holiday season.
Best wishes, A. Mason
502-345-0584
Krystal Gore says
Hello I’m in need of Christmas help for my 3 children ages 4,11,12 2 girls and a boy I’m having hard times right now we have went homeless staying from place to place and now I don’t have any funds that I can use to make sure my children have a decent Christmas what kind of program can I get involved in to receive the help
David Sharpe says
Hi Krystal, please call (502) 584-2480 and speak to our receptionist to find out what assistance may be available.
Reychel says
Single mom of two little boys ages 5 and 4 need help with Christmas email me at imlovinme2019@gmail.com
David Sharpe says
Hi Reychel,
Please call (502) 584-2480 for details about eligibility for Santa Shop and other available resources.
Crystal Elkins says
Hi i was in need of christmas help for my 5 year old son also Thanksgiving/christmas food basket
David Sharpe says
Please call us at (502) 584-2480.
Rebecca Crady says
I’m trying to get help for my sister.She recently got custody of her 2 young grandchildren. She lives on social security. She has no money left to buy Christmas after paying her bills.Any help you can give her will be greatly appreciated
David Sharpe says
Please call our office at (502) 584-2480 to find out what resources may be available.
Jenna says
Is that number still working? Not sure which extension I need. I’m in need of assistance for the holidays for my 4 year old son. Also I would like to volunteer my time if I can. My husband’s a disabled veteran so I’m home a lot. Thank you.
Beth Haendiges says
Hi. Our number, (502) 584-2480, is still in service, and if you leave your name, number, and a brief message, we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Meredith Hart says
I am in need of help for help for the holidays for my kids ages 17, 16, 13 and 8 as we come in to the two holidays after losing their pops on July 17th and grandma September 6 th we have been really been having it hard.
Beth Haendiges says
Hi Meredith, I’m so sorry you are going through all this. Please call (502) 584-2480 to speak to someone about resources that are available.
Jeannie McConomy says
Hi my name is Jeannie I have 4 children ages 11,8,6,4 and I really need help with Thanksgiving basket I don’t have a turkey to cook for my kids if I can get some help and I need help with a Christmas basket too can someone please write me back
Beth Haendiges says
Hi Jeannie, please call 502-584-2480, so we can see how we can help.
Rachel Giles says
Can you please help me with gifts for my 3 kids?
Tony Nochim says
Hi Rachel, thanks for reaching out. We will have our Volunteer Coordinator, Donna, reach out to you via email.