2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul

5 Cares Coat Drive
The harshness of winter can be unbearable without a coat. The 5 Cares Coat Drive
and Carns Coats for Kids provide hundreds of coats each winter to those who cannot
afford to purchase one. Not only are people given a coat, but they are able to pick
out one that fits their personality and style. Children smile as they walk out our doors
wearing a coat in their favorite color or with their favorite sports team logo.
In 2008, 5,352 coats were collected, thanks to the generosity of the com-
munity, the Karen Carnes Foundation and our partners WLWT Channel
5, City Dash, Gold Star Chili and local fire stations.
Fan and Air Conditioner Drive
Each year children, the elderly and those with medical problems suffer terribly in
the summer heat. Many older apartments in Cincinnati have poor ventilation and
no cooling systems, making the summer months unbearable. The annual Fan Drive
brings relief to families that could not otherwise afford a fan or air conditioner.
In 2008, 510 fans and 70 air conditioners were collected and distributed,
bringing comfort in the summer heat. Thank you to the community and
our partners who made this possible, WCPO Channel 9, Huntington
Bank, Coney Island, Papa John’s Pizza and Cincinnati Firefighters
Union Local 48.
Kroger & Fox 19 Food From the Heart
When families are surviving paycheck to paycheck, an unexpected expense, illness or
lay off can be devastating. St. Vincent de Paul feeds more than 50,000 people each
year, so it is a challenge to keep shelves stocked with nutritious food. Often staples
like bread, cereal and protein products are the first that run out. Non-perishables donated
by the community to Food From the Heart is given directly to families in need
by St. Vincent de Paul pantries and home visit teams throughout Greater Cincinnati.
In 2008, 66,675 pounds of food was collected, thanks to the community
and our partners Kroger and Fox 19 News.
Community programs
Many other partners conducted drives for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and without
the help of our many friends listed on page 22, we could not bring hope to so many
Cincinnati Families.
2008 SOCIETY of ST. VINCENT DE PAUL / ANNUAL REPORT
19