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← back to homepage July 2026 July 2026 July 2026 July 2026 Annual Black Bag Collection DONATE NOW ABOUT Your Support in Action $12.5M direct aid given in 2024 118,100 individuals served in 2024 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. We ask for your generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need. How to Donate All parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will hold a special collection on the weekend of July 12-13, 2026 . You can also donate online , by phone, or by mailing a check. PHONE Call 832-538-0325 to make a gift over the phone. 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: svdphouston.org/give Donate Online How will the funds be used? Despite being closely tied to the Archdiocese, the Society does not receive funding from the Diocesan Service Funds (DSF). The funds collected during this single month play a crucial role in the Society’s ability to provide direct financial assistance to neighbors in need, educational resilience programs, food pantry resources, disaster relief, and much more. Learn more Community Impact Thanks to the generosity of donors like you and the dedication of our Vincentian volunteers, together in 2025, we: Served 118,100 individuals with direct aid totaling $12.5 million Prevented homelessness for 6,300 families Kept essential utilities on for 4,600 households Provided 2.1 million meals to 24,000 families And much more! 2024 Community Impact Report

Neighborhood food pantries throughout the Greater Houston area managed by Vincentians, members of the Society Food Pantry Network Vincentians aim to alleviate hunger across Greater Houston communities through special works programs like operating an SVdP Food Pantry in their community, especially in areas deemed a food desert. Interested in becoming a member? You can help package and distribute food to those in need. GET INVOLVED The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Food Network serves 10 different counties throughout the Greater Houston area. The network is made up of member-operated community pantries. These neighborhood-based pantries provide families with access to nutritious food. Some of the most vulnerable populations are the elderly and children. Need Food? 211 HELP NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT DECLARACION DE NO DISCRIMINACION Alleviating Hunger Requires YOUR Help Ways to Give

We have 59 parish-based Society chapters called Conferences with over 1,900 combined volunteers. Be part of our mission by joinin. General Assembly is Approaching! Saturday, 01/24/2026 General Assembly - One Society 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - ONE Body but many Parts St. Jerome CC - Parish Activity Center - 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM Register here! Annual Formation Opportunities to Grow Spiritually with Friends REGISTER getFED F ormation E ducation and D evelopment held virtually each month for members of the Society to continuously grow in spirit, knowledge, and skill as a Vincentian . 2nd Tuesdays each month 12:15pm - 1:00pm Leadership Training In-person workshops for new and prospective Officers. The perfect succession planning tool. Click Here to See Current Trainings Meals and materials are provided by Council. Spiritual Retreat Contemplative Prayer (listening to God) provides the means of developing a more intimate relationship with the L ord . As our love of God deepens, our love for others grows into service for our brothers and sisters. This is an in-person, spiritual growth and renewal activity designed for all current and prospective members of the Society. Meals and materials are provided by the Council. The St. Vincent Times newsletter, published on the 1st & 15th of each month, provides upcoming Formation opportunities for members of the Society. Home Visit Training In-person workshops designed to go deeper into the purpose of person-to-person encounters. Discover the "why" and "how" to become culturally cognizant. L earn how to spiritually and physically prepare for service in your communities. Ozanam Orientation Foundation for ministry service. N ew Vincentians are required to complete this training within the 1st year of membership. Must renew every 5 years. January - September Meals and materials are provided by Council. Formation Opportunities We are committed to growing spiritually as friends. Let’s take time to nurture our hearts and minds during Advent so that we can influence the bringing of hope and help to others. Our mission isn’t just about providing service to those in need—it’s also about living in unity with Christ. When we pause to pray, reflect, and seek the will of the Holy Spirit, we create space for Him to operate in oneness with our mission. Formation is oftentimes the transformation our soul needs to increase our Vincentian footprint and impact. enero de 2026 Hoy lun mar mié jue vie sáb dom 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12:15 getFED Virtual Training + 1 más 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8:00 General Assembly + 1 más 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8:30 Ozanam Orientation + 1 más 8 Providing Spiritual Nourishment to Members Requires YOUR Help Ways to Give

The Society is an international organization founded in 1833 in Paris, France. It was locally established in 1871 in Galveston, TX. History In 1833, a 20-year-old college student and his friends began serving the poor in Paris, France. This was the beginning of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Today, there are more than 777,000 members serving in 149 countries around the globe. The Society arrived in the United States in 1845, where the first conference was formed in St. Louis, Missouri. The first presence of the Society in the Galveston-Houston area was in 1871 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galveston. Today, there are 58 Conferences in the Galveston-Houston Council with more than 1,900 members growing spiritually through friendship and service to those in need. Timeline (1871-2021) Our Patrons & Founders The Society's Patron Saint St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Confraternities of Charity, and Ladies of Charity. He was a man of deep faith, keen intellect, and enormous creativity, he has become known as the "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor." His contributions to the training of priests and organizing parish missions and other services for the poor shaped our Church's role in the modern world. St. Vincent de Paul Feast day is September 27th. The Society's Sister St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) had St. Vincent de Paul as her spiritual director. Her inherent desire to know and accomplish God's will blossomed into a life of ministry to those who were sick and destitute. Her contagious spirituality and strong, organizational ability led her to co-found with Vincent the Daughters of Charity, a group of sisters who serve the poor and who inspire our Society. St. Louise de Marillac Feast day is May 9th. The Society's Founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853) founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a young Sorbonne student who met regularly with his fellow Catholic students to discuss the issues of their time. At one of their public meetings, a challenger admitted the Catholic Church, at one time, had been a great source of good, but asked, “What is your Church doing now?… Show us your works and we will believe you.” Unable to respond, Frédéric conceded. Shortly afterward, Frédéric and six friends created the Conference of Charity, with the purpose of serving the poor of Paris. Frédéric and his friends provided food, clothing, shelter, financial, and spiritual help. They also established tutoring programs and libraries. Blessed Frederic's Feast day is September 9th. The Society's Mentor Blessed Rosalie Rendu, DC (1786 - 1856) was a Daughter of Charity who served for 54 years in the Mouffetard area, the most impoverished district of Paris. Emmanuel Bailly, the President of the Society, sent the founding members of the Society to Sister Rosalie for guidance and direction. Sending them on home visits, she formed them in the spirit of St. Vincent, teaching them how to serve the poor with respect and compassion. Blessed Rosalie's Feast day is February 7th.

← back to homepage SUPPORT OUR MISSION. We are a community actively living our faith by loving and providing hope to our neighbors in need. We envision a future where access to financial and social resources is not limited by where one lives. Donate JOIN US. MAKE AN IMPACT. Vincentians are active or associate members of the Society who God calls to grow in spirituality through friendships and service. Use your gifts and talents to create a legacy of impact across the Greater Houston communities. Learn How

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 our mission! Subscribe to our newsletter First Name Last Name Email Sign Me Up Thanks for submitting!

Donate your truck, motorcycle, or trailer to the Society. If it has a motor, it is a vehicle. Working or not working. FREE PICK-UP. Vehicle Donations Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why should you donate your unwanted car? The income generated from your vehicle donation is used to help those in need. 2. In what condition should my vehicle be in? No matter what condition your vehicle is in, the Society can use the value proceeds to help an individual or family get closer to self-sufficiency. 3. Where do I drop off my vehicle? You don’t. We pick it up for you – for FREE. 5. How will my vehicle donation help? The proceeds help our programs – Home Visit, Food Network, Voucher, and Disaster Relief. 6. Is my vehicle donation tax deductible? YES! Our National Vehicle Donation Program will send you a tax-deductible receipt. 7. What kind of vehicles do you accept? Cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, boats, and more. Ready to donate a vehicle? Start Process

Val Senegal CEO Kirk Vogeley Finance Sandra Achury CPO Council Board Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Patricia Dornak President Deacon Charlie Buhay Spiritual Advisor Janice Chatham District 4 President Franchelle Lee At-Large Member William "Bill" Murto Vice President Vivian Salazar District 1 President Ladd Puskus District 5 President Rick Plaeger At-Large Member Chase Angelle Treasurer Patricia Davis District 2 President Robin Riley District 6 President Angelique Pereira Secretary Robert "Bob" Miller District 3 President Yolanda Capelo District 7 President Val Senegal CEO/ Executive Director Sandra Achury Chief Program Officer Kirk Vogeley Director of Finance

There are multiple ways you can support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Conveniently donate online. By check, donor-advised funds (DAF), stock, employer-matching gifts, endowments, among others. Thank you for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! Ways to give There are many ways you can bless others in need. Your donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Galveston Houston takes only a moment, but the impact lasts a lifetime. This mission cannot continue without you. If you do not see your choice of giving below, please contact us. DONATE ONLINE YOUR IMPACT BY CHECK EMPLOYER MATCHING OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Mail a Check 
 Payable to "Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston” and mail to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 Matching gifts amplify impact! Employer matching gift programs enable you to team up and combine your employee benefits and donations to the Society, making a greater impact. If your employer matches gifts, your donation can be doubled or tripled to nonprofit organizations, like the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. LEGACY GIVING DONOR ADVISED FUND GIFTS OF STOCK REAL ESTATE WIRE TRANSFER VEHICLES AND MORE! Other Assets and Giving Strategies SVdP Galveston-Houston can accept a wide variety of assets such as: cryptocurrency, art, life insurance, private business interests, or we can help you set up charitable vehicles like gift annuities or charitable trusts that provide income to you or loved ones. There are many ways to give that maximize your impact and tax savings. If you have any questions, need assistance, or have an interest in speaking further about charitable estate planning strategies for yourself or loved ones please reach out! Contact Us Form 832-538-0325 SVdP Galveston-Houston does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult with your personal advisors before making financial decisions based on this information. The information presented here is for general information and educational purposes, is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances, and may change at any time without notice. Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF) through your fund administrator. 
 You can recommend a gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, by contacting your fund administrator or making a grant recommendation online. Estate Gifts If you believe in the mission of SVdP Galveston-Houston, we hope you will consider making us part of your legacy by including us in your estate plans and joining our Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service Legacy Society ! You can do this by: Beneficiary Designation of an Account Designate SVdP Galveston-Houston as a beneficiary of a financial account such as a retirement plan, life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, charitable gift annuity, or charitable trust. Bequest in a Will or Trust Include SVdP Galveston-Houston in your will or trust by inserting a provision containing our legal name and federal tax ID: Legal Name: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Address: 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 EIN #: 74-1464210 If you include us in your estate plans, please let us know. We would love to welcome and honor you as a member of our Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service Legacy Society ! Gifts from Retirement Accounts Making gifts to SVdP Galveston-Houston from traditional retirement accounts can allow you or your heirs to avoid paying income tax on distributions. There are several advantageous ways to give from retirement accounts: 1. Required Minimum Distributions (RMD): If you are over age 72 and are required to distribute funds from your retirement plan, you can satisfy your annual RMD and avoid paying income tax on the distribution by giving directly to SVdP Galveston-Houston. 2. Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) If you are over age 70 ½, you can distribute up to $108,000 per year from your IRA directly to SVdP Galveston-Houston without paying income tax. This counts toward your annual RMD fulfillment. 3. Beneficiary Designation At any age, you can designate SVdP Galveston-Houston as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts. Traditional retirement accounts make for great assets to transfer to tax-exempt charities because heirs have to pay income taxes on distributions! Learn more about becoming a member of our Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service Legacy Society by clicking the button below: Legacy Giving Page Charitable tax advantages often make giving stock more beneficial than giving cash. By gifting appreciated stock from your investment account, you may be eligible to: Receive a charitable income tax deduction Eliminate capital gains taxes To transfer shares of public stock to SVdP Galveston-Houston, provide your broker with the following information and notify us at 832-538-0325 or via our contact form of the amount and type of shares given so we can record and acknowledge your donation. Bank Name: Merrill Lynch DTC Number: 8862 Account Name: Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Account Number: 582-96B13 Memo: FBO Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Stock Donation Instructions SVdP Galveston-Houston partners with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to process real estate donations of land, residential, or commercial property. Donating real estate can offer significant tax advantages such as a charitable income tax deduction and savings on capital gains that you would have owed if you sold the property. Contact us to learn more, or begin your donation below: Ready to donate? Start Process To electronically transfer funds to SVdP Galveston-Houston via wire or ACH, please provide the following information to your financial institution that will initiate the wire transfer: To communicate additional information or special instructions, please notify us at 832-538-0325 or contact form . Please provide your name, address, and zip code to allow us to appropriately record and acknowledge your donation. Vehicle Donations Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why should you donate your unwanted car? The income generated from your vehicle donation is used to help those in need. 2. In what condition should my vehicle be in? No matter what condition your vehicle is in, the Society can use the value proceeds to help an individual or family get closer to self-sufficiency. 3. Where do I drop off my vehicle? You don’t. We pick it up for you – for FREE. 5. How will my vehicle donation help? The proceeds help our programs – Home Visit, Food Network, Voucher, and Disaster Relief. 6. Is my vehicle donation tax deductible? YES! Our National Vehicle Donation Program will send you a tax-deductible receipt. 7. What kind of vehicles do you accept? Cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, boats, and more. Ready to donate a vehicle? Start Process Give with confidence We understand that it is important to you that your donation is being used effectively—it is important to us, too. Our top priorities encompass prudent stewardship and accountability. Careful management of operational resources is necessary to continuously fulfill the Society's mission.