It's More Than A Store; It's A Neighbor

For a few hours on Sept. 21, the St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift store on Walnut Street near downtown Evansville became the hub of a true neighborhood celebration.

“We have been doing this neighborhood block part for more than five years,” said store manager John Payne. “We want to celebrate the fact that we are a part of this community. We’re more than just a ‘storefront;’ we are a neighbor here, and these people are our friends.”

“These people” included hundreds of area residents who turned out for an event that featured something for just about everyone:

• St. Vincent de Paul provided hamburgers, hot dogs, and the fixin’s and soft drinks;

• St., Mary’s Health System talked to attendees about nutrition and other health-related issues.

• Children and adults visited with Evnasville police officers , firemen and other first responders who offered close looks at a patrol car; a fire truck; and an ambulance;

• Games for the youngsters took up a corner of the thrift store parking lot;

• Local businesses donated a variety of door prizes; there were drawings every 15 minutes for the kids – one for boys and one for girls each time;

• The grand drawing including six brand new bicycles and six helmets.

“This is just one of the opportunities we take to remind everyone that we are part of the community, and we want to be,” Payne said. “That speaks to the basic philosophy of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.”

From the organization’s website:

“The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to assisting those in need and seeking charity and justice.”

“Our goal with the block party is to let our neighbors know that we are truly happy to be here, and ready and willing to help however we can,” Payne said. “We also have been blessed to be able to use this event as a way to provide learning opportunities for youngsters and adults alike, who have a chance to get an up-close look at our public-service agencies and talk to police, firemen and other first responders in a positive, open atmosphere.

“St. Mary’s staff talk to those who attend about proper nutrition, the importance of school lunches, and other health-related issues,” he added. “And we have a group of supporters that has donated generously to enable us to offer people – especially the youngsters – gifts through the door prizes that they might not otherwise get.”

Payne never stayed in one place more than a few seconds during the event. As a result, virtually everyone who attended got to see his beaming smile. “Isn’t this a great event?” he asked no one in particular. “I’m so happy to be a part of this.”