CINCINNATI, OH – January 26, 2012 – A group of local Catholic high schools are living the 2012 Catholic Schools Week theme of Faith. Academics. Service. by partnering with St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati to collect gently used furniture, personal care products, household items and clothing for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores and Donation Centers. The second annual Catholic Schools Week Donation Drive will take place Monday, January 30 - Friday, February 3, 2012. Participating high schools include Elder, McAuley, Moeller, Mother of Mercy, Mt. Notre Dame, Ursuline Academy, Seton and St. Xavier.
"The high school students bring incredible energy and enthusiasm to helping others all year long through volunteer projects, retreats and donation drives with St. Vincent de Paul,” said Liz Carter, executive director, St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati. “Their service to their neighbors in need is a testament to the rich tradition of Catholic education in Cincinnati. By combining their efforts in honor of Catholic Schools Week, they make a great impact on the community and give hope to struggling families throughout our community.”
“We are partnering with St. Vincent de Paul during Catholic Schools Week again this year as a way to celebrate our passion for, and dedication to, Catholic social teaching,” said Johanna Becker, director of campus ministry at Mother of Mercy High School. “We believe whole heartedly in deepening our students' understanding of the dignity of the human person and seeing Christ in all people, especially those who are in greatest need of basic resources.”
There is currently an urgent need for men and children’s clothing and household items such as small appliances and linens. Alumni from local high schools and other residents who want to get involved and donate can visit an area St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Donation Center or call 513-421-CARE to schedule a free pick-up. There are convenient thrift store and donation center locations across Cincinnati including Colerain, Este Avenue, Evendale, Mason, Milford, Mt. Washington and in Western Hills near Glenway Crossing. For hours and directions, visit www.SVDPcincinnati.org.
About St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) has been helping Greater Cincinnati and Hamilton County residents in need with the basic necessities of life for more than 140 years. The organization works personally with those in need, regardless of race or creed, to bridge the spiritual, emotional and material gaps in their lives through home visits provided by neighborhood-based volunteer groups, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Charitable Pharmacy as well as our network of seven food pantries and seven thrift stores and donation centers across Cincinnati. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul continues to be a leading community service organization, recently recognized by The Better Business Bureau (BBB) as a Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics winner and by The CincinnatiUSA Regional Chamber of Commerce as Non-Profit of the Year. For more information, visit www.SVDPcincinnati.org.
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