By Marilyn Weichhand
The 4th annual Walk for the Poor, sponsored by the Vicksburg St. Martin of Tours’ St. Vincent de Paul Society, will be held on Sunday, September 29 at the Vicksburg Recreational Area and Trail. All are welcome to participate and help raise money for people in need. The walk coincides with the Vicksburg Harvest Festival, which is always the last Sunday in September.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a group of volunteers from St. Martin in Vicksburg and St. Edwards in Mendon Catholic churches. It is part of a worldwide community of lay Catholic Christians who join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person services to neighbors in need. The St. Vincent de Paul group works in conjunction with other churches and agencies such as South County Community Services to assist families who live in their service areas. The assistance is primarily for local people that are experiencing rent or utility payment issues. Also, tote bags stocked with personal and household products such as laundry and dish soaps, paper and hygiene products are delivered to many families as extra assistance.
The Walk for the Poor is an opportunity to participate in a community activity that offers immediate physical and emotional rewards to the walkers, and future rewards for those who will need a helping hand in coming months. If you are unable to attend, you can still be a part of this effort by donating or sponsoring another walker. The distance walked is set by each participant.
Last year there were 35 walkers. Many solicited donations from friends, family, co-workers and local businesses. Because of these generous donations the St. Vincent de Paul group was able to help 117 families in need this past year. The goal for this year is to significantly increase the number of walkers and amount of money raised.
On September 29, participants should meet at the Recreational Area and Trail off 12538 S Sprinkle Rd. Registration forms for walkers and information about donations is available on the St. Martin of Tours parish website at http://www.stmartinvicksburg.org . On-site registration begins at 1 p.m. at the registration tent near the parking lot, and the walk begins at 1:30. The trail will be marked for distance and walkers may opt to join others at a comfortable pace or set their own pace and distance.
Please consider participating or donating in this most worthwhile event. If you have any questions, please call St. Martin of Tours Church at (269) 640-1629 ext. 3 and leave a message for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
