Nearly 300 Attend

Cloudy skies and brisk winds did not stop the nearly 300 people who participated in the Sept. 19 Friends of the Poor Walk which benefits the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

When participants gathered at the Evansville State Hospital grounds, they were reminded about the various ways that the society helps the poor in neighborhoods and parishes, in part by offering assistance with utilities and furnishings.

Bishop Charles C. Thompson gave the opening blessing. He reflected on Pope Francis’ words about poverty, and how walk participants are witnesses who support efforts to help the poor.

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Evansville assists over 1,100 families per month with food and toiletry items. The Thrift Store arranges for donations of bedding, clothing and household goods for the poor and disabled. The Ozanam Family Shelter’s goal is to keep families together as a unit, especially during hardships and circumstances that arise within families.

The 2015 Friends of the Poor Walk drew a record number of sponsors (63), totaling over $23,000 in donations. Every dollar raised the day of the walk will directly help the needs of the poor.

A Friends of the Poor walk/run is scheduled for Sept. 26 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Bohnert Part in Jasper.