2023 Black Bag Collection

COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT FOR PARISHES & CONFERENCES

WEEKEND OF JULY 8-9, 2023 or JULY 22-23, 2023

UPDATE: We would like to inform parishes that you have the flexibility to choose the most suitable date for the 2023 Black bag special collection. You may opt to hold the collection on either of the following weekends: July 8-9, 2023 or July 22-23, 2023. Alternatively, if it aligns with your parish's needs and preferences, you are welcome to conduct the collection on both weekends.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and flexibility in accommodating this change. Your support and participation are vital to the success of the Society's mission in helping those in need within our community. We are grateful for your continued support and dedication to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

What is the Black Bag Collection?

The Black Bag Collection is an annual opportunity for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to reach more than 1.7 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and ask for their help to support the poor and vulnerable in our community. The collection is a symbol of ONE SOCIETY coming together to help those in need. We rely heavily on this major source of funds for the Society to continue to accommodate the needs of our brothers and sisters who are without basic life essentials—most of which we so often take for granted.

In 1833, our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and the original members realized they needed money to fund their good works of charity. Because the giving capacity of the members varied, they decided to pass around a simple black bag so that each member could give what they could afford to give. Today, we continue this tradition.

Parishes may opt to hold the special Black Bag Collection during the weekend of JULY 8-9, 2023 or JULY 22-23, 2023. We ask for your generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need.

Parish Bulletin Announcements

ENGLISH

Please support the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag
Collection the weekend of July
22-23, 2023. Donations will help the Society provide food, clothing and financial assistance to families
struggling to make ends meet. With
the increasing cost of living, your
support can make a difference.

SPANISH

La Sociedad de San Vicente de Paul los invita a participar en la Colecta Anual de la Bolsa Negra el 22-23 de Julio del 2023. Sus donaciones ayudaran la misión de proveer necesidades básicas, como comida, ropa y ayuda financiera, a familias con escasos recursos.

VIETNAMESE

Xin hỗ trợ chương trình gây quỹ hằng năm của Hội Thánh Vinh Sơn Phaolô vào cuối tuần ngày 22–23, Tháng Bảy năm 2023. Mọi đóng góp sẽ được dùng vào việc mua thực phẩm, quần áo, yểm trợ tài chính cho những gia đình gặp hoàn cảnh khó khăn. Với lạm phát đang gia tăng, sự đóng góp của quý vị có thể thay đổi cuộc sống của họ.

Flocknote Messages

Email #1
Send around July 13, 2023

(Subject Line) July 22-23, 2023: Annual Black Bag Collection

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be holding their Annual Black Bag Collection the weekend of July 22-23, 2023. Our parish needs your help to support one of the oldest Catholic organizations serving the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. There are more than 1.7 million Catholics in our Archdiocese.

With your help, we can strengthen our network of charity programs that provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to the struggling working-poor in our area. Donate or learn more about the Black Bag collection at: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag.

Email #2
Send around July 20, 2023

(Subject Line) July 22-23, 2023: Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection is the organization’s single, largest fundraiser. The funds raised are used towards program support and general operations support to keep the programs running.

Please consider making a gift this weekend July 22-23, 2023, in support of the Society. Last year, your support helped over 49,000 people! Learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s community impact at www.svdphouston.org/blackbag.

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Social Media Posts

The parish social media coordinator can use these posts to help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul spread the word about the Black Bag Collection. Please make sure to tag the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in your social media posts! Find us on social media using the accounts below or look for us under Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. If you cannot find us, please use #SVDPHouston.

Post #1
Publish the week of June 26, 2023

Mark your calendar! JULY 22-23, 2023. Join your fellow parishioners in donating to the Annual Black Bag Collection of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Unlike many of our local Catholic organizations, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not receive DSF Funding. Your generosity will help their programs serve people in our community with food, financial assistance, and other much needed basic needs. Visit their website for more information: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag #BB2023 #SVDPHouston

Post #4
Publish the week of July 17, 2023

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection will be active between JULY 22-23, 2023. Please be generous in your giving during this weekend's special collection. Thank you for all your support in ensuring the success of the Society’s largest fundraiser of the year. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston

Post #2
Publish the week of July 3, 2023

Join your fellow parishioners next month (JULY 22-23, 2023) in supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, one of Houston’s oldest Catholic organizations serving the needs of the poor through their unique Home Visit Ministry.

In 2022, the Society helped 6,300 households with rental assistance. The average assistance provided was $435 per household. Check out their 2022 Impact Report to learn more about their services: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston

Post #3
Publish the week of July 10, 2023

Please consider donating to the Society’s Annual Black Bag Collection next weekend, JULY 22-23, 2023, to continue fueling the services provided by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Last year, volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul spent 140,000 hours serving our friends and neighbors living in the Greater Houston Area. Our communities are stronger because of these amazing volunteers. Their contributions are a critical component of the Society’s core mission of providing person-to-person service to all in need. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston