When the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Dayton decided to host their 2nd Annual drive for St. Vincent de Paul of Dayton, they were not prepared for the outpouring of generosity that the students, faculty, and staff would show. They had three barrels set up for donations, but as the photo shows, all three were overflowing. The barrels were nearly impossible to even see with all the goods piled around them!
St. Vincent de Paul Charities of Dayton serves over 100,000 people in the area each year. They are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not only do they supply members of the community with food, clothing, and furniture, they also provide emergency assistance with rent and utilities. Part of their mission includes running shelters for men, women and children. Each year in the United States, many are homeless; the shelters that St. Vincent de Paul run are such a valuable resource to those in need. Catherine S. Campbell, the Director of Development for St. Vincent de Paul Dayton District, educated us on some of the facts about homelessness in the United States. Four of the top reasons that people become homeless are the lack of affordable housing, reduced income, domestic violence, and mental health issues. St. Vincent de Paul gives the option of a safe, clean, and secure shelter to individuals dealing with any or all of these challenges.
Throughout the United States, St. Vincent de Paul serves over 14 million people each year, and they reach 142 countries on five continents with their charity. They are able to help people in need, give them the opportunity to gain control of the challenges they are facing, and see that better times are a reality. The Dayton campus donated food, clothing, household goods and toys that will be given to people in need or sold in the thrift shop that funds the free shelters, meals, and other services that they provide. St. Vincent de Paul helps the people they serve face challenges, make positive changes and start a new journey to self-sufficiency. Hannah McKeever, Dayton Campus Financial Aid Student Support Representative, commented, “It was inspiring to see the extent of our student’s will to give to others. Especially since I know that many of them have struggles of their own. It reminded me that any amount of generosity can change someone’s life for the better. I look forward to next year’s event.” The Dayton campus is honored that their donations could possibly improve the life of individuals served by St. Vincent de Paul.