The spirit of giving was alive and well on December 18, 2023 as the Vincentians from our St. Monica Conference donned their festive hats and transformed into Santa's Elves for the annual Christmas Toy Drive in Acres Homes.
This heartwarming celebration took an even more delightful turn when a humble donor stepped in, matching the Vincentians' kindness by providing parents with gift cards. From beloved restaurants like Pappadeaux and Olive Garden to essential home retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, these gift cards brought unexpected joy to families.
The spirit of gratitude filled the air when parents unexpectedly received their gift cards after their children had chosen their Christmas presents. "I can't believe it! This is such a blessing I wasn't expecting," a mother of two told the Vincentians as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our secret Santa's helper for making a profound difference in the hearts of Acres Homes families. The act of kindness and generosity showcased the power of community spirit, turning a simple toy drive into a magical experience for all!
To learn more about our Conferences and how you can become a Vincentian, please email vincentianservices@svdphouston.org.
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Established in 1871, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is a 501(c)3 faith-based organization with a mission to grow spiritually through person-to-person service in our community. The Society serves 10 counties throughout the greater Houston area through a network of 52 parish-based chapters ("Conferences"), more than 1,900 volunteers ("Vincentians"), two Thrift Stores, and a food network of localized pantries. Assistance is given to neighbors in need throughout the Galveston-Houston area through its Home Visit Program, Food Network, Clothing Vouchers, Resiliency Programs, and Disaster Response.