“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

As the chill of autumn settles in and the leaves begin to fall, many of us put away the short sleeved shirts, shorts and flip flops and reach for the warm winter sweaters, coats and boots.  When you’re organizing your closet and dressers, or figuring out what clothes the kids need for the next season, give some thought before you just move things to the back of the closet.   The change of seasons is an ideal time to review which things you haven’t worn lately, or that your kids have grown out of, and make a pile of gently used items to donate. 

Similarly, when you feel inspired to better organize your home, sort through household items you haven’t used in a while, or make room for new items, think about donating what you no longer need to a worthy cause.  Clear the clutter and fill your heart with the joy of knowing that you are helping your neighbors in need. 

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Philadelphia has partnered with GreenDrop to collect donations of clothing and shoes, household items, kitchenware, games and toys, small appliances, electronics, sporting goods, books, CD and videos, and small furniture.  GreenDrop converts lightly used clothing and household items into funds for various charities, including St. Vincent de Paul Society.   

St. Vincent de Paul Society regularly holds collections for donated items at local churches, and you can also call GreenDrop to schedule a pick up at your home, or drop off your items at your local GreenDrop location.  Just label your bags or boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to benefit the many local recipients who are in need.

Don’t despair if you don’t have any excess clothing or household items to donate.  The priceless donation of your time is always needed, whether it’s for organizing a clothing drive, spending time with an elderly neighbor, or giving a neighbor a ride to work.   As the passage from Corinthians 2 states above, be a cheerful giver. You’ll feel the joy that giving to others brings.

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Philadelphia are all about neighbors helping neighbors.  While sometimes our neighbors are in need of emotional support, many times the need is for physical essentials like clothing, food, or shelter.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society works hard to collect items and raise funds to help those neighbors who are down on their luck to get by. They can help these neighbors get back on their feet and give them hope that they will be able to make it through.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Philadelphia has many ways, customized to each local community, for you to transform the lives of your neighbors as well as your own life.  Like that of its founder, blessed Frédéric Ozanam, the vision of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul “is to embrace the world in a network of charity.”