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11-22-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
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11-22-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

We tend to think of Thanksgiving as uniquely American, and in some ways it is. Over 400 years ago the Pilgrims in the Plymouth colony shared a harvest meal with the people indigenous to the area. Who knows, maybe there were turkeys involved. We do know that first Thanksgiving helped bring people together; it helped…

Prayer for Giving Tuesday 1080 1080 SVDP USA
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Prayer for Giving Tuesday

Lord Jesus, by Your great sacrifice, You offered the greatest love That anyone can offer to another. Help me to love. Help me to give. Help me to share of myself. Lord Jesus, you healed the sick, Gave sight to the blind, And multiplied scraps to feed thousands. Lead me to help. Lead me to…

Contemplation: Faith, Hope, Love, and Trust 1080 1080 SVDP USA
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Contemplation: Faith, Hope, Love, and Trust

In this vocation, we are called to trust, especially in two important ways. First, we are called to trust in Divine Providence. [Manual, 63] Second, we are called “to establish relationships based on trust and friendship” with the neighbor. [Rule, Part I, 1.9] It seems important, then, to examine exactly what it is to trust;…

11-15-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA
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11-15-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

Next week, we start what is the traditional year-end holiday season that extends through early January. Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, New Years. Food, prayer, presents, parties, and football. Usually a lot of food, a lot of presents, a lot of parties, a lot of football. More than enough food and parties to cause a lot of…

Contemplation: The Measure of Success 975 975 SVDP USA
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Contemplation: The Measure of Success

In Blessed Frédéric’s famous essay “Help Which Honors” he points out that when we focus on mere material assistance when there is no reciprocity, when we “give the poor man nothing but bread, or clothes, or a bundle of straw — what, in fact, there is no likelihood of his ever giving [us] in return”…

SVdP Cleveland Launches New Software 1266 914 SVDP USA
  • SVdP USA

SVdP Cleveland Launches New Software

In an effort to facilitate the ability for its English and non-English-speaking clients to order and receive food, SVdP Cleveland has partnered with Hunger Network to implement a new software at its Brookside Hunger Center. Brookside gives individuals the option to select foods, creating a “shopping” experience. SmartChoice™, a web-based digital ordering system, allows neighbors…

11-09-23 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 720 720 SVDP USA
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11-09-23 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

A recent airline announcement at the boarding gate caught my attention. Passengers are no longer permitted to carry previously purchased alcohol on board to consume. Of course, the airline is still pleased to sell you some in your seat. A pilot seated next to me said that “too many passenger fights showing up on the…

Contemplation: This Sweet Business 714 714 SVDP USA
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Contemplation: This Sweet Business

“Let us go to the poor!” was the stirring declaration which founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Challenged to demonstrate the good of the church in their modern world, our young founders could find no better way than to imitate Christ, who descended from heaven to visit us in our poverty. [Baunard, 416]…

Stores Corner — Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores 1080 1080 SVDP USA
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Stores Corner — Pricing Strategies for SVdP Thrift Stores

A Discussion by: Dave Barringer, SVdP National Chief Executive Officer The concept of Pricing is the least understood among the “4 P’s” of marketing – Price, Product, Place (distribution), and Promotion. However, a good pricing strategy can be your strongest tool toward sales and profits in a thrift store program. In this article I will…

11-02-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1080 1080 SVDP USA
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11-02-2023 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? I don’t mean running a 10K, bench pressing 300 pounds, or completing the New York Times crossword in record time. No, I mean what was really the hardest thing you have ever done? Was it to leave home and venture out on your own? Was it to…

National Council Welcomes National Store Support Manager 799 1117 SVDP USA
  • SVdP USA

National Council Welcomes National Store Support Manager

The National is excited to welcome the new National Store Support Manager, Jim Conley. In his new role, Jim will oversee the opening and operation of the second SVdP National Thrift Store in Fairview Heights, IL. Once open, the store will serve as an additional location for Conference and Council Stores leaders to come and…

Contemplation — Like Unto Him 1080 1080 SVDP USA
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Contemplation — Like Unto Him

When he was eighteen years old, Blessed Frédéric felt as if he was not committed enough to living his faith, that he too often failed in charity. His spiritual director at the time advised him that his many distractions and temptations would fade away when he was formed. “When I am formed,” Frédéric lamented. “When…

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