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Unleash the Power of Catholic Giving through the annual Black Bag Collection benefiting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 2026 Black Bag Collection JULY 11-12, 2026 MEDIA KIT FOR PARISHES & CONFERENCES DONATE NOW History FlockNote Graphics DOWNLOAD PDF GUIDE Bulletins Social Media Contact Us 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 to continue responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters who are on the brink of becoming homeless or facing utility disconnections. In 1833, our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and the original members realized they needed money to fund the works of charity. Because the giving capacity of the members varied, they passed around a black bag so that each member could give what they could afford. Today, we continue this tradition. This year's Black Bag Collection will be a special 2nd collection at all parishes during the weekend of JULY 11-12, 2026. Bulletin Announcements ENGLISH Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection the weekend of July 11-12, 2026 . Donations will help the Society provide food 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 11-12 de Julio del 2026 . Sus donaciones ayudaran la misión de proveer necesidades básicas, como comida, 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 11-12, Tháng Bảy năm 2026 . 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/Email Messages Email #1 Send around July 1, 2026 (Subject Line) July 11-12, 2026: Annual Black Bag Collection The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be holding their Annual Black Bag Collection the weekend of July 11-12, 2026. 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 10, 2026 (Subject Line) July 11-12, 2026: 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 11-12, 2026 , in support of the Society. Last year, your support helped over 115,000 people! Learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s community impact at www.svdphouston.org/blackbag . . 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 8, 2026 Mark your calendar! JULY 11-12, 2026. Join your fellow parishioners in donating to the Annual Black Bag Collection for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Unlike many of our Catholic ministries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not receive money from DSF. Your generosity will help serve people in our community. For more information, visit: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag #SVDPHouston Post #4 Publish the week of July 6, 2026 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection will be active between JULY 11-12, 2026. 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. #SVDPHouston Post #2 Publish the week of June 15 , 2026 Join your fellow parishioners 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 Program. A 2nd collection will be held JULY 11-12, 2026. Check out their 2025 Impact to learn more about their mission: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag. #SVDPHouston Post #3 Publish the week of Ju ne 29 , 2026 Please consider donating to the Annual Black Bag Collection JULY 11-12, 2026, 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 128,000 hours serving our neighbors in need across the Greater Houston area and our communities are stronger because of these amazing volunteer members. Learn more at www.svdphouston.org/blackbag. #SVDPHouston Downloadable Graphics to Share Please feel free to download any or all of these graphics to share via Flocknote, social media posts or in your parish bulletin. Questions? If you have any questions, please contact us here or call 832-538-0325 . Thank you for your active participation and partnership in this annual campaign!

← back to homepage Happy Giving Tuesday! The day we've been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived—it's Giving Tuesday! We are so thrilled to have you with us on this special day as we work towards our goal of raising $3,000 in one day . Now is the time to take action and help us reach our financial goal. Every donation counts, no matter the amount. Your generosity today is crucial in helping us make an even greater impact in the neighbors we serve throughout the greater Galveston-Houston area. GIVE NOW We also appreciate your support in other ways! You can sign up to volunteer or shop at our thrift stores. Every contribution, whether financial or through your time, makes a difference. Thank you for your continued support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We are so grateful for you sharing your gifts. GIVE VOLUNTEER SHOP Connect With Us Stay connected with us on social media to be part of the action, get updates, and amplify our impact. Together, we can create positive change. Follow us now and help us spread the spirit of giving! What is Giving Tuesday? Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, GivingTuesday has become a global movement that celebrates and supports philanthropy, inspiring people to give back through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. All gifts made on Giving Tuesday to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are 100% tax-deductible. For more information, please contact the Development Office via this form or call 832-538-0327 .

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving the greater Houston area since 1871. Essential elements include spirituality, friendship, and service. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Galveston - Houston A volunteer member organization that serves underserved communities regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, religious or political affiliations. About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a 501c3 non-profit organization established with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1871. It includes a network of more than 50 chapters, known as Conferences , with over 1,900 volunteers, and a large network of food & clothing pantries. As ONE Society, all members, known as Vincentians , work synergistically with community organizations to keep people housed in their homes by providing financial assistance to evade homelessness, keep utilities connected, and food on the table. Mission Inspired by Gospel values, we grow spiritually through person to person service to all in need in our community. Our actions promote the dignity of the person, alleviate suffering and distress, while addressing the conditions that cause them through systemic change. Vision We are a community actively living our faith by loving and providing hope to our neighbors. We envision a future where access to financial and social resources is not limited by where one lives. Essential Elements SPIRITUALITY FRIENDSHIP SERVICE Organizational Structure The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston is part of the South Central Region. Regional Structure International Council The International Council is Located in Paris, France and represents over 100 countries. National Council (U.S) National Council, located in St. Louis, Missouri, supports all Archdiocesan Council across the USA and reports to the International Council. (Arch) Diocesan Council Our Council office supports our Districts and Conferences to promote the Society's mission and reports to our National Office. District Council 7 District councils uniting and supporting our conferences. Our districts report to our Archdiocesan Council. Greater Houston Conferences We have 50+ Conferences reporting to District and Archdiocesan Council.

← back to homepage July 11th-12th 2026 July 11th-12th 2026 July 11th-12th 2026 July 11th-12th 2026 Annual Black Bag Collection Unleash the power of catholic giving Direct aid in 2025 $12.4M Individuals served in 2025 115,000 10 Counties served across Galveston-Houston area About the Black Bag Collection 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 and ask for your generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need. Black Bag Communication Guide How to Donate All parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will hold a special collection on the weekend of July 11-12, 2026 . You can also donate online , by phone, or by mailing a check. MAIL Checks payable to "Society of St. Vincent de Paul Galveston Houston" can be sent to: 2403 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77021. Please include "Black Bag" on the check memo. ONLINE You can donate online at HERE . PHONE Call 832-538-0325 to make a gift over the phone. Donate Online How will the funds be used? The Society does not receive funding from the Diocesan Service Funds (DSF). The funds collected during this single month help to maintain the Society’s ability to provide direct financial assistance to neighbors in need, educational programs to overcome poverty, food pantry resources, disaster relief, and more. Learn more Community Impact Thanks to the generosity of donors like you and the dedication of our Vincentian volunteers, in 2025, we: Served 115,000 individuals with direct aid totaling $12.4 million Prevented homelessness for 6,776 families Kept essential utilities on for 4,706 households Provided $5.5 million worth of food to 24,420 families And much more! 2025 Community Impact Report

When disaster strikes, the Society responds with a coordinated network of Parish Recovery Assistance Centers ready to help. DISASTER RELIEF Natural disasters have left significant damage in our area, and we understand many are still trying to recover, rebuild their lives, and restore their hope. Although we are not first responders, our membership network synergistically collaborates with other organizations during disasters to ensure comprehensive support for all affected communities. We encourage you to utilize the resources provided below to assist neighbors in need so that our impact can be meaningful during times of crisis. Donate to Emergency Relief Fund Those needing assistance must call the 211 Texas United Way HELPLINE. 211 helpline Download the Household Disaster Preparedness Plan (English) Household Disaster Preparedness Plan (Spanish) Start preparing today with our free, printable, and fillable preparedness plan which i ncludes: • Fill-in-the-blank emergency contact list • First steps to take after a disaster • Go Bag checklist • Special considerations for kids, pets, and seniors. 211 helpline 211 helpline 211 helpline FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Locator The Texas Division of Emergency Management iSTAT Damage Assessment Connective Connective Needs Assessment Registry Crisis Cleanup Www.crisiscleanup.org Road Conditions Houston Transtar Incident/Traffic Map FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply for assistance by visiting www.disasterassistance.org , calling 1-800-621-3362 , or using the FEMA App . FEMA Assistance Disaster Distress National Hotline The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a national hotline that provides disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. DDH Helpline Want to help when a disaster strikes? Get Involved Ways to Give

Community impact and financial health of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston Houston Our Impact Together, we uplift our neighbors in need! Donate By the Numbers Annual Report Stories $12.4M direct aid given in 2025 32,289 households assisted in 2025 115,060 individuals helped in 2025 128,000 volunteer hours (equates to 61 full-time employees 10 counties served across Galveston-Houston area 1,952 Vincentian volunteers We understand how important it is to you that your contribution is used wisely—and it’s just as important to us. We are committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability in everything we do. Through careful management of our operational resources, we ensure that every donation supports the continued fulfillment of the Society’s mission. 2025 Annual Report 2025 Community Impact Report 2024 Form 990 2025 Audit Report FORBES: #45 America's TOP 100 Charities in 2025 Your support changed the lives of Solana, Christian, and Dylan—and their families. "Thanks to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the incredible volunteers, we navigated through our darkest times and found hope on the other side." Meet Christian

Contact Got a question? Reach out below! We will do our best to get back with you within two business days. Phone 713-741-8234 Social Media Subject Select Message Subject First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thank you!

Welcome Vincentians! Find the information you need here. Get Involved Don't waste time, talents or treasures. Share your gifts with the world. Invest in your community now. Join us in spiritual growth to increase our mission's impact! Vincentians are active or associate members of the Society who God calls to grow in spirituality through friendships and service in the communities of Galveston Houston. Application An Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston requirement is that everyone complete the virtual Catholic Mutual Group (CMG) Virtus training (Safe Haven or Safe Environment) and authorize a background check before performing service on parish property. This must be renewed every 5 years . SAFE HAVEN We are committed to growing spiritually as friends to better serve our communities DONATE Conferences A Conference is a parish or community-based chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. There are currently more than 50 active Conferences operating throughout the Galveston-Houston area. Each Conference has a leadership team: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Spiritual Advisor. More than 1.7k Vincentians are growing spiritually as friends to serve those in need. Vincentians A Vincentian is the name given to a commissioned member of the Society. Vincentians put their faith into action by responding to the needs of people regardless of race, creed, age, gender, or legal status. The vocation of a Vincentian is to follow Christ through service to those in need and bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love. Members show their commitment by visiting people in their homes and performing special works to alleviate the suffering of those in crisis.

The Society provides immediate relief to families during crisis and aims to lift people out of poverty by addressing the conditions that cause it. Programas SVdP La Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl se preocupa no sólo por aliviar la angustia sino también por identificar las condiciones que la causan. Iniciativa de comunidades desatendidas 01 01 01 01 This initiative includes a grant program that enables constrained Conferences to provide financial assistance to neighbors in underserved areas during times of crises. Volunteer members, Vincentians, commit to building a healthy, vibrant conference to continuously serve at-risk and distressed areas of Greater Houston when these communities face financial hardships. Underserved Communties Home Visit Program Alivio de desastres Programa Salir Adelante Getting Ahead Graduate Getting Ahead Alumni Sistémico Cambiar Iniciativa Después de recibir el pescado durante la crisis, la Sociedad se centra en enseñar a las personas a pescar para alimentar a sus familias durante toda la vida. La Iniciativa de Cambio Sistémico incluye tres programas de desarrollo de resiliencia diseñados para cambiar la respuesta conductual a la pobreza. Los participantes examinan los recursos necesarios para lograr los objetivos de sostenibilidad y luego diseñan la hoja de ruta para construir un futuro mejor y salir de la pobreza. 02 02 02 02 Alimento Red 03 03 03 03 Despensas vecinales en todo el área metropolitana de Houston. Food Pantries Home Visit Program Sistémico Cambiar Iniciativa Después de recibir el pescado durante la crisis, la Sociedad se centra en enseñar a las personas a pescar para alimentar a sus familias durante toda la vida. La Iniciativa de Cambio Sistémico incluye tres programas de desarrollo de resiliencia diseñados para cambiar la respuesta conductual a la pobreza. Los participantes examinan los recursos necesarios para lograr los objetivos de sostenibilidad y luego diseñan la hoja de ruta para construir un futuro mejor y salir de la pobreza. 04 04 04 04 Alimento Red 05 05 05 05 Despensas vecinales en todo el área metropolitana de Houston. Disaster Relief

Underserved Communitites Initiative places millions of dollars in the at-risk and distressed areas throughout the Galveston Houston area. Underserved Communities Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as ONE Society. The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021, leveraging data from the The Distressed Communities Index measures the economic well-being of U.S. communities. A grant funding program for Conferences was launched in May 2022 to illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston area. This funding is designated ONLY to zip code areas identified as "at-risk" or "distressed" with the intent to prevent the number of unhoused children, families, and senior citizens living on the streets of Houston. Organization Purpose Increase impact by increasing the number of healthy, vibrant Conferences with dedicated members serving at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston-Houston area. IMPACT More than 3.1 M of financial assistance has been provided to over 17K people in at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston-Houston area. CHILDREN >7K prevented from being unhoused and displaced UTILITIES > 5K remained connected SENIORS >1K with extremely low incomes prevented from becoming unhoused Portfolio of Conferences Holy Family - Galveston St. Albert - Fondren/ Southwest St. Ambrose - Northside St. Frances De Sales - Sharpstown St. Hyacinth - Deer Park St. Mary Purification - Third Ward St. Monica - Acres Homes St. Patrick - Kashmere Gardens St. Philip Neri - Sunnyside St. Thomas the Apostle - Huntsville St. Thomas Aquinas - Alief St. Thomas More - Westbury Grant funding cycles each year: October - March April - September 2025 Report 2024 Report Grant Requirements Historical deficiency in financial and/or human capacity to serve the community. Have a minimum of 12 active members conducting 2 Conference meetings each month. Conduct recruitment events and onboard a minimum of 2 new members within the grant cycle. Conduct in-person home visits in at-risk or distressed zip code areas. Use CMS (Case Management System) for monthly reports and home visit data. Conference assessment completed in the past 3 years. Submit monthly impact stories for continuous fundraising efforts. Attend Formation events. Rebecca’s Story: From Crisis to Stability—Thanks to Your Support W hen Rebecca, a young single mother, called 211, she was on the brink of losing her home. Her struggles began when her roommate moved out, leaving her solely responsible for rent. Then, her car broke down beyond repair, and shortly after, she lost her job. With no transportation and mounting bills, Rebecca faced an impossible situation. That’s when Vincentians stepped in. Through a compassionate home visit, we prayed with Rebecca and assessed her needs. Thanks to the Underserved Communities Program, we were able to bring her rental account balance to zero —giving her the fresh start she desperately needed. Today, Rebecca’s story is one of hope. She secured a new job as an assistant therapist, helping autistic children at a location accessible by public transit. She is deeply grateful for the St. Vincent de Paul kindness and support that changed her life. Your generosity makes stories like Rebecca’s possible. Every dollar you give helps a family move from crisis to stability and restores dignity and hope. Will you join us in transforming lives today? Preventing Homelessness Requires YOUR Help Your money helps to keep children, families, and seniors safe in their homes. Ways to Give