Time for everyone to help
Monday, November 22, 2010
Victor Martell
We all know about the current economic situation. Talking about it is tiresome, simply to justify or blame someone for what all of us are suffering. This is not the moment to continue our lamentations, or worse, excuse ourselves from helping our brothers and sisters.
I believe that during difficult times is when we must be more united with our brothers and sisters and find solutions for those who, for one reason or another, are in worse circumstances than ourselves. It is in these moments that we must join with a charitable organization whose experiences can guide us so that our donations will reach those who truly need them.
We propose our Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which for the last 84 years has served in Miami, Broward and Monroe, giving a helping hand to the needy. Our volunteers go to the homes of the most unprotected and offer them consolation in knowing that they are not alone; and we do this without regard to race or religion.
As the holidays approach, our society unites with Radio Paz, south Florida’s Catholic radio station, in order to find ways to help the many families who truly need our help.
We want to let you know about three special events:
- Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, in the parking lot of Radio Paz, we will host an outdoor Mass at noon followed by a dinner with all those who perhaps, on that day, will have no food with which to celebrate Thanksgiving.
- Dec. 11, at 10 a.m., we will deliver boxes of food to selected families who need them, and we will do so in the parking lot of Radio Paz, with the help of Feed the Children and Pepsico, who are joining us for this event.
- Dec. 17, beginning at 2 p.m., we will have our great toy distribution in the mission chapel of Altagracia, located next door to Radio Paz. We will begin with a musical performance for the children who are visiting. I recommend that you attend, because in the joy-filled face of each child you will see the face of Jesus.
- Dec. 19, we move to Homestead with all our equipment, and there, at 11 a.m., we will distribute toys to the children of those who work in the fields, and who cannot afford to give their own children a toy.
My dear brothers and sisters, we need your help in order to be able to do these things that we have planned. Alone, we cannot do them. We are offering you the opportunity to return to Jesus just a little bit of what He gifts you with every day.
We need food, money and new toys, which you will be able to drop off at many sites throughout Miami. You can find out the addresses by listening to Radio Paz. Or, if you can’t donate material goods, give of your time by serving as a volunteer, telling your friends, whatever. We must create a network of charity that will encompass all of Miami and bring a hopeful message to so many families that are depending on you. Please, don’t disappoint them.
Send your donations to:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
P.O. Box 431232
Miami, Florida 33243
Or
Radio Paz
1779 N.W. 28 Street
Miami, Florida 33142
You may also call (305) 474-9010 o (305) 762-1125.
• For information about the St. Vincent de Paul Society, go to http://http://svdpusa.org.
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