Community Enjoys

For blocks around Evansville’s St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on Walnut Street, fall breezes carried the inviting aroma of hamburgers and hot dogs cooking on the grill. That added invitation helped bring many neighborhood residents to the store parking lot for the second annual Block Party – created by store manager John Payne.

“We wanted to do something to bring our neighborhood together and let them know that we appreciate them,” Payne said. “This is a little way that we can give back, but it also is proving to be a wonderful opportunity for us to bring a larger community together.”

He went on to explain that volunteers from Reitz Memorial High School and the University of Evansville joined those from the local St. Vincent de Paul council to staff the event. “We also had local residents come over this morning because they wanted to help us out as volunteers,” Payne added.

“We gathered for prayer this morning as we began setting things up,” he said on Oct. 4, as the party got into full swing, “Before we prayed, I told everyone that events like this, bringing community together, are what the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is all about. We are grateful for all of the support we receive in so many different ways throughout the year, and we’re happy to invite everyone to join us for fun and good food at the block party.”

In addition to the fresh grilled sandwiches, the block party included a number of games for the kids; a pumpkin-decorating station; and opportunities to get a close look at an AMR ambulance; an Evansville Fire Department truck; and an Evansville Police Department cruiser.

For more information on the society and its local activities, visit www.svdpevansville.org.