St. Vincent De Paul Block Party

About 200 people enjoyed the Sept. 26 Block Party held at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store, on Walnut St. in Evansville. While the invitation for the Block Party was intended for the general public, SVdP especially wanted to include the Lincoln School neighborhood – the friends and neighbors who live directly around the store. “It’s a small way of saying thank you to the neighbors living near the store,” said John Payne, SVdP Thrift Store Operations Manager, “but it is also our way of saying thank you to the community for their continued support of SVdP.”

Sheila Langston, who lives in the neigborhood, attended the Block Party with her daughter, Angel Buchanan and grandchildren, Mackenzie Buchanan, Courtney Lant and Jordan Lant. “This is a really nice event,” she said, “and the kids love it.”

Volunteers from Memorial High School, St. Benedict Cathedral Parish, St. John Parish in Daylight and the University of Evansville helped with food and drinks, pumpkin decorating and children’s games. The Evansville Police Department, Evansville Fire Department and Emergency Medical Response teams allowed children to check out their vehicles and equipment. Door prizes and bicycle giveaways were part of the event also.

Daughter of Charity Sister Judy Dusellier, who volunteers at the Thrift Store two days a week said, “This is my favorite place to be – my work involves providing assistance with vouchers, helping others, and being a Daughter of Charity presence.”

Asunción “Little Susie” Gibson, thrift store assistant manager, began volunteering at the store in 1992 and has been on staff since 1995. She said that the Thrift Store receives continuous support from Catholics across the diocese, so the shelves are never empty for those in need. The biggest need has always been – and continues to be – for appliances.

Fore more information on volunteering and/or donating, contact the thrift store at (812) 425-3148 or visit www.svdpevansville.org.