Vincentians Kickoff Million Coins For El Paso

On  Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, Bishop Armando Ochoa & El Paso Mayor Pro-Tem Alejandro Lozano  joined together in throwing in the first coins to kickoff "PROJECT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, Million Coins For El Paso, the Society's holiday fundraiser. The Vincentians will be placing 1,000 donation cans in businesses, offices, schools and Churches throughout the El Paso Diocese. 

Monies collected will help the disadvantaged of El Paso which the Society helps regardless of race, color or creed.  Funds will go toward their 2008 budget in paying rents, medicines, utilities, food, and equipment for the physically challenged.

El Paso hometown food cannery Bruce Foods has partnered with the Vincentians providing the 1,000 donation cans.  Employees sealed and slotted the cans as Operations Manager Tom Lahut for Bruce Foods personally spearheaded the project .

"Our goal is to collect one million coins, whether it’s a penny, a nickel or more to help fund our ministry for the new year," stated Becky Montelongo, SVDP president. "These 1,000 silent tin can angels will be asking El Pasoans throughout the holiday season to help us help others.  It's so wonderful to see Church and state come together for a cause like this and we are blessed to have our Bishop and Mayor Pro-Tem join us.  Our hometown cannery, Bruce Foods, Popular Mattress, New Deal Mattress and SonnyRadio.com are a real godsend.  The words thank you is not adequate to these sponsors."

The St. Vincent De Paul Society is an official Catholic charity.  A 501c3, all donations are tax deductible.  If you would like more information on the St. Vincent De Paul Society of El Paso, please visit their website; www.svdpelpaso.org .

As always, if you know of someone in need please call Becky Montelongo, 564-4357. And if you would like the Vincentians  to place a silent tin can angel and collect coins over the holidays let us know!  God bless.