“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed” (Proverbs 19:17).

Many of our brave citizens, healthcare workers, police, grocery store workers, and so many others, have been working on the front line during the coronavirus pandemic.  Even more of us have been patiently waiting it out at home while we all worked to “flatten the curve,” restricting outings to just the grocery store or pharmacy and staying away from anyone who lives outside of their household.  As spring turns to summer, signs of a return to normal life are springing up, with many restrictions being loosened across the country.

Many people are still out of work due to the restrictions on business, especially locally, but those of us who continue to have a steady income and haven’t suffered financially should think about giving to those in need. Perhaps you’ve had the time and opportunity to do some major spring cleaning (or maybe just minor) during the stay at home order.  Now, what to do with all that stuff you just don’t need anymore?  You can give new life to your old things when you sort out items you haven’t used in a while. Make space in your heart to help others while making space in your closet. 

GreenDrop, which converts gently used clothing and household items into funds for charity, has been deemed an essential business in Pennsylvania and several Philadelphia area locations are now open.  (Visit their website for the most up-to-date information.)  You can specify which charity you want to support when you drop off your donations or schedule a pickup.  Just label your bags or boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul Society to benefit the many local recipients who are in need.   GreenDrop accepts clothing and shoes, household items, kitchenware, games and toys, small appliances, electronics, sporting goods, books, CD and videos, and small furniture. You’ll also be helping the environment by extending the life of your unwanted things to people in need.

Think of the new life you can breathe into your old items by donating them.  A blouse that you’re tired of might be just what a woman going on a job interview needs to complete an outfit.  That exercise bike you’ve been using to hang laundry on might be someone’s way to start getting into shape and improving their health.  That sweatshirt you don’t wear anymore could keep someone warm on a cool night.  When you donate, you’ll feel good about helping someone else with the added bonus of decluttering your house.

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Philadelphia are all about neighbors helping neighbors, especially when so many of our neighbors are suffering physically, emotionally, and or financially from the shutdown.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society is working to collect items and raise funds to help those neighbors who are in need, including those who have been impacted financially by the coronavirus pandemic, helping them make it through these challenging economic times.

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, including through participation and building up the community.  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.”