Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul, Hampton has five main strategies to help support those in the community: the food pantry, the clothes closet, the community kitchen, the medical equipment and the advocacy program which helps with rent, auto, utilities, medical, telephone and other situations as necessary. These services are provided by a staff of volunteers. There are no paid members of our organization.the food pantry has been in operation for over 25 years. We currently operate 4 days a week distributing food to families in seacoast communities. Families are eligible to pickup a complete assortment of meats, bread, fruits, vegetables, dairy and personal care items, every two weeks. In addition, we provide basics to the homeless and victims of tragedy, such as fire, as needed.during 2023, the pantry served the residents of Hampton, seabrook, Hampton falls and north Hampton as follows: adults - 2579, children - 988, veterans - 46 for a total of 20,000 bags of groceries. Additionally, we continued to deliver to clients who were unable to pickup their orders for various reasons.the clothes closet has been in its new location since april 2021, which is more user friendly and expansive than its previous location in the pantry building. Staffed totally by volunteers, the closet served 1571 clients, distributing 1655 bags of clothing always at no charge. We continue to support teen challenge, a youth aid program located in manchester, nh with clothing needed for job interviews. The community kitchen serves meals 4 nights a week (m, t, th, f). The meals are served to clients free of charge and all are welcome. The community kitchen offers a warm, welcoming place to come in, sit down, enjoy a meal and the company of other people. In addition to hot meals, we also have a "blessing box" available 24 hours every day of the year where anyone can stop by and take whatever items they need. Our volunteers for the community kitchen are a true representation of "community". We have local organizations that work together to provide the coordinator, cooks, and servers that make each meal run smoothly and successfully. Svdp community kitchen has served approximately 4486 meals this past year.our medical equipment has cleaned and repaired when necessary 199 items, such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches, walkers, commodes, shower seats, etc. We have loaded 3 vans and sent to africa and 1 van to ukraine.