The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world, founded in 1833 in France by 20-year old student, Frédéric Ozanam. The young Frédéric, a Catholic, wanted to help the poor of all religions during the industrial revolution He also wanted to improve the lives of his peers by urging them to perform works of charity rather than simply talk about what should be done to help the needy. Now beatified, Blessed Frédéric founded the Society in the name of St. Vincent de Paul, a French priest from the late 16th and early 17th century who alerted the people of his day to many of society’s ills. Along with several friends, Frédéric visited the poor in their homes, helping whenever possible by sharing whatever food and other necessities were available. As importantly, the young men provided food for the spirit through their many acts of kindness and friendship.

This international organization is made up of lay Catholic men and women who are committed to live and grow in their Christian faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. It has spread to more than 130 nations, with more than 900,000 members worldwide. Volunteer members, called Vincentians, seek, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement, to help those of all faiths who are needy and suffering.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is one of many quality charities in the world whose members strive to help the less fortunate. What separates it from most others is the way in which their volunteers conduct this work. Rather than helping only those who come to them, their members provide one-on-one service to the less fortunate, going into people’s homes to learn the extent of the needs before determining how to help. This assistance includes providing not only immediate help, but also assistance geared toward aiding individuals in finding ways to resolve the issues that put them in a position of need in the first place.

In addition, unlike many other organizations, 100% of all cash donations made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as well as all proceeds from the sale of donated items in their thrift stores go to their programs to help the needy.
— Jamie Sawyer