The shelves behind the volunteers were fully stocked just prior to filling up the Christmas food baskets, but unless enough cash is raised for a down payment on the building by the end of January, the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store & Food Bank, located at the top of the hill in Val Caron,   may be looking for a new home.

From the left, Sharon Cote, Stephane Clairmont, Gerry Guillet, Barb Lefebvre, Petty Holt and Mike Venedam, are part of the volunteer staff of up to 30 men and women who give of their time to make sure the less fortunate of the community get enough to eat at Christmas and all year long.

According to Barbara Sharp, secretary of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Food Bank, there is a certain segment of the community, which depends on the services of her organization. “We prepared Christmas hampers for 258 people this year and provide food for over 200 people a month during the rest of the year.”

The Thrift Store is filled with a wide variety of very low-priced merchandise. Proceeds from the sales go towards upkeep of the facility and the purchase of food for patrons. However, the building has been put up for sale by the owners, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society has until the end of January to come up with the down payment or face the gloomy prospects of looking for another home.

“I don’t know where we would move to,” declared Barbara. “This place is ideal for what we do. There isn’t anywhere else that I know of where we could move. It would be a shame to lose this since so many people depend on us.”

St. Vincent de Paul has put out a call to the community for help. Anyone interested in making a cash donation which will be used towards the down payment on the building is encouraged to come forward as soon as possible. A tax receipt will be issued for the amount of the donation.

The service provided by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store & Food Bank is invaluable! Without the food and clothing, many young families would go hungry during times of difficulty. Often it is the Food Bank which enables struggling people the time necessary to get back on their feet. All services are strictly confidential and staff is trained to help clients regain their sense of self-worth.

“There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when you need to use our services,” explained Barbara. “Some people come in here looking for help with their heads down and apologetic. By the time they leave they are walking tall and smiling. We make them understand that we all need help and support from others in life. That’s what we are here for.”

If anyone is interested in making donations of any kind, simply drop them off at the store Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help out, you will be more than welcome.

A reminder to all residents that funds are needed immediately in order to purchase the building. Your dollars will be much appreciated, not only by the volunteers, but moreover by the people who depend on the services for survival.