St. Vincent De Paul Block Party Builds Community Spirit

Great weather generated a great crowd and great community spirit as the volunteers and employees of the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Evansville held the thrift store’s annual community block party on Sept. 24.  September is a special month for the St. Vincent de Paul society, a month which includes the annual Walk for the Poor and St. Vincent’s feast day on Sept. 27.

Neighborhood residents enjoyed food and fun while forming friendships.  “The block party is done purposefully,” thrift store manager John Payne said. “It’s a good way for us to give back and develop relationships with the neighbors. Those friendships have paid off.”

    Developing a partnership with the community leads to shared ownership of success.  “We purposefully founded the store in a part of the city where there is a need,” Payne added. ”Community members watch after hours. It’s win-win because (the community) sees the value of teaming up with us, and we see the value of being nice to them.  It’s a great day and great opportunity to have some fun, not just shop.”

Local business owners donated popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and drinks for the attendees. Vincentians organized and donated children’s games, toys and other prizes that were given away in a drawing held every 15 minutes throughout the event.  Bicycles and helmets were donated anonymously and awarded as a grand-prize drawing at the end of the day.  

Representatives from Evansville’s Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Response teams were present to let kids explore their vehicles and answer any questions.  Payne is grateful for this added level of neighborhood alliance. “We want to put together a community event with a positive spin on all of us getting together to have some fun,” Payne said.

    University of Evansville and Reitz Memorial High School students joined Vincentians, volunteering to serve food, play games, and perform other tasks needed for a successful event.  “I would like to thank the students publicly for helping us out,” Payne said. “They’re not doing it just for service hours; they’re (volunteering) because they’ve been here before and enjoy it.  We have developed a great connection with U of E and Memorial.”  Payne pointed out that performing service hours opens the door to students serving, but many find the joy in helping and want to return.  

Since October 1882, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has assisted the community in Evansville.  The Society relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers who graciously give of their time, talent and treasure to further the mission of the Society.  For more information or to donate, please contact 812-425-3148 or visit svdpevansville.org.