The St. Vincent de Paul group in my parish had a very successful food drive for Thanksgiving. When the pastor told parishioners that SVdP still needed 20 turkeys, parishioners donated 46. Also, the local news broadcast a story last week about a local corporation that donated 500 turkeys to a local food bank.
Every year at this time we hear about how food banks are struggling, about how donations are down, and demand is up. Of course, if the people who run these food banks don’t make sure that the people receiving the donations are really in need, they will get people who aren’t really in need showing up for free food.
Finally, the St. Vincent de Paul Society does not indiscriminately give away food or money. It always makes sure that the people receiving the donations have exhausted other avenues of help and really do need help. Also, assistance is temporary not permanent.
Our local parish does food baskets for needy families in addition to supporting the St.VdP Society. Both are in serious need of food, and the local homeless shelter is running low on food and clothing. While there are many who scam, I think it important to remember that there are people who are truly needy and who live on the margins of society for whatever reason. Christ let us know that we were feeding Him when we fed the hungry. He didn't cite any difference between those who are truly needy and those who mooch. I trust His judgment in those matters because in essence the mooches are stealing from the truly needy. I'd hate to be on of those mooches on Judgment Day.
I’m not picking on SVDP. I shop there every week and donate often. However, I find it strange that they need a LARGER Food Pantry in just two years time when the Midwest has a very strong economy and low unemployment. And, By Golly, I’ve yet to see anyone dead from starvation in the streets with a distended belly and stick-thin arms and legs. ;)
Please understand; ‘The People’s Republik of Madistan’ IS a Sanctuary City. That explains a lot right there.