CALHOUN – Work continues on St Vincent De Paul food and clothing pantry
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Left to right: Warner Pluester, Walter Pluester, Liam Simon, Jake Snyders, Bo Lorsbach, Patrick Friedel, Joe Stein, Jake Kress, Luke Brannan, Jack Webster, Auggie Squier, Hunter Roth and Winston Pluester. (Submitted Photo)
Pictured, front row first, left to right: Augie Webster, Patrick Friedel, Hunter Medling, Auggie Squier, Gage Medling, Jack Webster, Bo Lorsbach, Cole Robeen, Luke Brannan, Hunter Roth, Chase Caselton, Miles Lorton, Joe Stein, Brody Caselton. (Submitted Photo)
The St. Vincent de Paul Board of Directors is not ready to announce an opening date yet but volunteers from Calhoun High School (CHS) students, alumni, the football team, Haylee Kress and other students from Brussels High School have been providing their time to give the much needed assistance for St Vincent de Paul food and clothing pantry.
“We are overwhelmed by God’s abundant kindness and the profuse generosity of all of our donors. We continue to receive contributions in the forms of goods and services, time, labor and money. It has been an overwhelming experience,” said Brad Vacca, Board President.
Vacca is very thankful and expressed his gratitude to many community businesses and other volunteers who have helped with the construction for the place.
“Thanks to Terry Betts, carpenter, the new windows, and doors are in. The drywall and taping are done due to the excellent work of volunteers from T. J. Weis Company,” Vacca said. “A new furnace and air conditioner has been installed by Keil and Sons. Interior paint was purchased well below cost from Sherwin Williams through Carole Hiatt, ASID. The actual interior painting has been donated by the Vogel Bros. Window treatments were donated by Kevin Kenney, President of KDR.”
Vacca said the flooring was donated by R.J. Welsh & Company and installed by Nick Wickenhauser. He said he was very grateful for the help he received from the CHS’s football team as they provided the “heavy lifting” that was needed to unload nearly 5,000 lbs. of materials for our new floor.
“Hagen Lawn Service has been caring for the landscaping and the new floor needs to be stripped and sealed which the Hagen and Bick families have volunteered to complete,”
The electricians from the IBEW led by Brad Eilerman will come back in to finish the electric work. Josh Fuhler and Romie Womack are due back to finish the plumbing. Terry Betts, carpenter, will be back to install new casings, hang doors, and build a counter for the distribution room,” Vaca said. “ Signage by KW Custom Etching needs to be installed. Donated shelving needs to be brought out of storage, washed, and painted.”
Vacca also said the new building needs to be furnished. He mentioned that food that has already been donated by the Girl Scouts needs to go onto shelves and clothing needs to be hung.
“ There is still a lot of work to be done before opening and we ask the community for patience,prayers and continued support,” Vacca said.
While the pantry is not yet open, monthly food deliveries from the St. Louis Area Food Bank continues on the first Wednesday of each month and The Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry continues their deliveries each month.
Additionally, St. Vincent de Paul volunteers continue to man the Help Line (618-370-1141) to aid those in need of assistance with utilities, rent/mortgage, home repairs, gas and vehicle repairs, and medical bills.
“We are committed to providing food and services to those who are facing an insecure time,” Vacca said.
