Carol Berry with Katie Loyd
I believe I have found the oldest nonprofit in Cullman: St. Vincent de Paul. The mission of this organization is to assist the less fortunate of our community on a confidential basis with necessities such as food and winter coats and provides some assistance for utility bills when funds allow.
The local St. Vincent de Paul is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11:45 a.m. Volunteers meet every two weeks on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The new president is Katie Loyd. Katie can be reached at 256-737-5131.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul started in France in 1833. Innumerable Catholic parishes have established "conferences," most of which affiliate with a diocesan council. Among its varied efforts is to offer material help to the poor or needy. There are a great variety of outreach programs sponsored by the local conferences and councils, addressing local needs for social services. Local individuals from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church started serving in 1980. They became a conference on Oct. 5, 1987.
Katie, her husband Allen and volunteers have been working hard to implement changes and looking for ways to serve more individuals and in different ways. To do this she needs your help. Katie could use more volunteers, prayers and donations.
I asked Katie what she would like to see come from this interview and in true St. Vincent style, her answer was, “To serve more!”
Katie shared, ”We will be open through Dec. 19, then we close for two weeks and reopen on Jan. 4. If (you) are wanting to get the additional holiday bags, please come by before the 19th. We have been giving out a lot of blankets, more than usual.”
Blankets are the immediate need for St. Vincent de Paul.
I have known Katie since high school and I have no doubt she will accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I am very proud of the job she is doing and the number of people our local conference serves each week.
Not many organizations have continued since 1833. However, St. Vincent de Paul has grown and served so many around the world! So, if you are looking for a well-established organization to be involved with, St. Vincent de Paul might be a good choice.
My favorite quote by St. Vincent de Paul says it all: “Go to the poor, you will find God.”
Look for my video interview with Katie at www.Facebook.com/CullmanTribune.
