Our Pantry Shelves Need Your Help: A Community Call to Restock Hope

The St. Vincent de Paul – Sacred Heart Conference, a 100 percent volunteer-run nonprofit organization, is calling on the community to help restock its food pantry shelves as supplies reach critically low levels. Each day, dedicated Vincentians and community volunteers provide food and assistance to local families facing hardship. Last year alone, St. Vincent de Paul distributed more than 467,000 pounds of food to individuals and families in need—a lifeline made possible only through the generosity of community donations. “Our mission is simple—to serve our neighbors in need with compassion and dignity,” said Jerry Presseller, President, “But right now, our pantry shelves are nearly bare. We need your help to continue being there for the families who rely on us.” During the past fiscal year, more than 60,954 volunteer hours were contributed by Vincentians and community members working to support those in need across Charlotte County. With the growing demand for food assistance, St. Vincent de Paul is asking local residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in the 2025 Food Pantry Drive.  Most Needed Items Include: • Cereal • Condiments • Canned meats • Toiletries • Coffee • Insect repellent • Canned beans • Canned soups • Canned vegetables • Boxed potatoes • Gravy • Ramen noodles Donations can be brought directly to: St. Vincent de Paul – Sacred Heart Conference 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Additional community drop-off locations include: Brooklyn Joe’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Crews Bank (Murdock, North Port, Parkside, Peachland, and Punta Gorda branches), Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763, Garden Club, Massage Perfect, Moose Lodge #1693, Moose Lodge #2121, Odyssey Nail Studio, Rivera Professional Plaza, Rio Nails & Spa, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sandtrap Bar, Tropical Trends Nail & Hair Salon, and Twin Isles Country Club. A Community Effort Every can, box, and bag of food makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

At St. Vincent de Paul of Punta Gorda , we are deeply committed to serving our local community, and one of the ways we do that is through our monthly senior food distribution program . Each month, we partner with the Harry Chapin Food Bank to provide nutritious food to 32 registered seniors in our area—individuals who may face challenges in accessing healthy meals on a regular basis. Distribution day is always a special occasion. Early in the morning, the Harry Chapin truck arrives , fully stocked with food boxes specifically prepared for our senior participants. Our seniors line up with anticipation, eager to receive their monthly boxes, which include staples like canned goods, pasta, rice, and fresh produce. These boxes are carefully assembled to meet nutritional needs while offering a variety of options to support a balanced diet. In addition to the regular boxes, we offer extra items for our seniors to choose from. These may include cakes, pastries, fresh breads, and potatoes—small treats that add a touch of joy to their meals and brighten their day. It’s a moment where they can enjoy a little indulgence along with the essentials, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity. For many of our seniors, this program is more than just a food delivery—it’s a lifeline. It ensures that they can maintain their independence, stretch their budgets further, and feel connected to a caring community. The smiles, greetings, and stories shared during distribution remind us why this work is so important. It’s not just about food; it’s about nourishing the body and spirit . Programs like this are made possible through the generosity of partners like Harry Chapin Food Bank and the dedication of our volunteers. We are always looking for ways to expand our services and reach even more seniors in need. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every effort helps ensure that no senior in our community goes hungry. At St. Vincent de Paul of Punta Gorda, we are proud to stand with our seniors, providing not only sustenance but also compassion, dignity, and community . Together, we can continue making a meaningful difference in their lives, one food box at a time. How You Can Help: Volunteer: Assist with packing or distributing food boxes. Donate: Your contributions help purchase additional food and supplies. Spread the Word: Help us reach seniors who may benefit from our programs.  Every senior deserves access to nutritious food and a caring community. Join us in supporting those who have given so much to our community over the years.

St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart in Punta Gorda is grateful to once again be the recipient of an incredible outpouring of generosity from the residents of Paradise Garden Villas (PGV) . Through a recent food drive, the PGV community delivered a truckload of non-perishable items to our pantry—an effort that will provide much-needed relief to local families in need. In addition to the food donation, PGV also presented us with a significant cash gift , further enabling us to continue our mission of serving those facing hunger and hardship. This is not the first time PGV has shown their commitment to our cause, and their ongoing support continues to make a lasting impact. We had the pleasure of welcoming members of the PGV Hospitality Committee and leadership for the presentation. Pictured during the event:  Truck Photo: Lorraine Palmer and Janice Gorrell Group Presentation Photo (left to right): Margie Ehart – PGV Hospitality Committee & SVdP Volunteer Janice Gorrell – PGV Hospitality Committee Vice Chair Lorraine Palmer – PGV Hospitality Committee Chair & Charity Drive Chair Dr. Charles Ehart – PGV President Jerry Presseller – SVdP President Larry Van LeBerghe – SVdP Food Pantry Manager Bill Thornbury – PGV Vice President & SVdP Volunteer Presentation Photo: Dr. Charles Ehart (PGV President) and Jerry Presseller (SVdP President) To the entire PGV community: thank you for your continued generosity, compassion, and partnership in serving others. Your support is truly making a difference.

Community Support in Action: PGICA Car Club Donation

June 20, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In response to the growing need for permanent affordable housing across the nation, and specifically within Punta Gorda, St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference in Punta Gorda is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul CARES to spearhead an ambitious initiative to address this critical issue locally. Our goal is to provide permanent affordable housing targeting the most vulnerable people in Punta Gorda and the surrounding areas. Through our continuous engagement with community members in need, it has become increasingly evident that permanent affordable housing is a primary concern. Many hardworking individuals in Charlotte County find themselves in a precarious position, unable to afford essential living expenses such as rent, groceries, childcare, and utilities on their current wages. These financial challenges lead them to seek assistance from St. Vincent de Paul for basic needs including food, clothing, housewares, furniture, as well as financial aid for rent and utilities. People that are homeless have even more exacerbated challenges finding housing. This project addresses this critical need. In conjunction with Florida Housing Finance Corporation and St. Vincent de Paul CARES St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference in Punta Gorda seeks to raise an additional $5 million to complete the vision of providing more than 40 units of permanent affordable housing in Charlotte County. The cornerstone of this collaborative effort is a $5 million gift from Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the first 15 units. Additionally, $850,000 has been pledged from the private community toward Sacred Heart Conference $5 million dollar fundraising goal. To succeed in this mission to build over 40 units of permanent affordable housing for those most in need in our community, we appeal to the compassion and generosity of Charlotte County residents and beyond. Your support is crucial in reaching this $5 million fundraising goal. The good news is that $850,000 has already been raised. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your contribution to St. Vincent de Paul is not just an investment in permanent affordable housing but also a tax-deductible act of kindness that directly benefits individuals and families in dire need. Join us in making a tangible and transformative difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community. Together, we can build more than homes; we can build Hope. About St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference and St. Vincent de Paul CARES St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needy and suffering in communities across the globe. Sacred Heart Conference provides essential services and support to those facing financial hardships, striving to create a more compassionate and resilient community for all. St. Vincent de Paul CARES is a leader ending homelessness for US Veterans, families with children, and individuals in 19 Florida counties. To learn more go to www.svdp.care. Please contact Merrell Dickey to help us meet our goal of housing over 40 families in our community. Phone: 727-201-9875 Email: merrell@svdp.care

Catch a glimpse of the heartwarming stories and inspiring statistics shared during our recent annual presentation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church! Watch the video to see how parishioners came together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need over the past year. From providing essential resources to offering companionship and hope, our community's generosity knows no bounds. Let's celebrate our achievements and look forward to the impactful plans ahead!

Punta Gorda, Florida - Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference proudly announces its receipt of the Gulf Coast Partnership 2024 Shining Star Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Gulf Coast Partnership, in recognition of its outstanding response to the emergency needs resulting from Hurricane Ian, in collaboration with the GCP, SVDP, Charlotte Community Foundation, and other local agencies, businesses, and individuals. The award ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 6th, saw the presentation of the Shining Star Award by Denise Dull, Director of Operations & Marketing at PORCH FL, to President Jerry Presseller and Past President Gary Moerke, representing St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference. The collaborative emergency response efforts between the Gulf Coast Partnership and St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference were instrumental in addressing the critical needs of the community following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in September 2022. This award serves as a testament to the dedication, compassion, and resilience displayed by the volunteers and partners involved in the response efforts.  "We are deeply honored to receive the Gulf Coast Partnership 2024 Shining Star Award," said President Jerry Presseller. "This recognition is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of our volunteers and partners to serve those in need, especially during times of crisis." Past President Gary Moerke added, "The collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout our emergency response efforts underscores the power of community solidarity. Together, we have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by Hurricane Ian." St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Gulf Coast Partnership for this esteemed recognition and acknowledges the invaluable support of all volunteers, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the emergency response efforts. For more information about St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.svdppg.org.

Transforming Dreams into Reality: Our Children's Bed Program

Bloom Academy Students Rally Together for a Successful Food Drive Benefiting St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart