Florence church still doing ‘God’s work’
It is an all too often occurrence, churches of all denominations having to close due to dwindling attendance. Fortunately, many of the churches are being repurposed.
Such is the case for St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Florence. The building has been transformed into a furniture depot sponsored by The Society of the Saint Vincent de Paul.
Saint Vincent de Paul is an international organization comprised mainly of Catholic volunteers who wish to grow as individuals both personally and spiritually through service to those in need.
There is no doubt that society has been doing tremendous work worldwide. Here on the Northside, the volunteer-run organization assists low-income individuals and families by providing food, clothing and household items.
Cecil Snow is the president of the Florence and area conference of St. Vincent de Paul. He said he is pleased to be a part of an organization that does such good work to help others.
“I have been involved with Saint Vincent de Paul for decades. The work is very rewarding. It is a great feeling to know you are doing something good for someone in need.”
Snow currently oversees work at the society's home accessories and furniture depot in Florence. It stocks everything from table lamps to chesterfields.
“There is a great need in the community by people who for whatever reason find themselves struggling to have the basics in life. We do our best to supply people with things they need to help them live a more comfortable life.
“Not long ago we had a young girl who moved here from Newfoundland to start a job at the hospital. She was a single mom who had literally nothing when she arrived. We were pleased to be able to fully outfit an apartment for her.
“We delivered and helped her set up a bedroom for her and her young son. We provided kitchen utensils and a sofa set as well as kitchen furniture. She was so appreciative that she cried and told us she would do whatever she could to pay us back.
“We told her that Saint Vincent de Paul is there to help people just like her. We don't ask for anything in return. The service is completely free of charge. Our goal is to lend a helping hand where it is needed most.”
Admittedly, Snow said overseeing donations at the depot is a lot of work. Picking up items from people who are making donations and making sure the furniture and appliances make it to those who need them requires a great deal of time and is fairly physical work.
“It is a lot of work. We have some really great volunteers and we are all ready to do what we need to do to provide assistance to the community. When we get a reaction like we did from the young girl from Newfoundland it helps us know that what we are doing is very much worth the effort.”
The Saint Vincent de Paul furniture depot is housed in the very church that Snow himself attended for decades. While it was sad to see the church close, he is happy that it has been put to good use.
“It was a little hard at first to see the church close but I am happy that we are able to provide a service here that is making a difference in the lives of others. It may not be a church anymore but we are still doing God's work,”
Snow said.
Donations to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society furniture depot are welcome. Snow said he is amazed by some of the donations that they receive. He said people are so generous.
“So much of what we receive is in such great shape, it is lovely stuff and the people who are receiving it are so happy to get it. They are so thankful.”
People are invited to drop merchandise off, however, arrangements must be made in advance to ensure there is someone on-site to accept any donations. Those wishing to have items picked up or to arrange to drop off can call the number listed below.
To make the process of giving as seamless as possible, work carried out by the volunteers of the furniture depot is done in complete confidence.
“Anyone who would like to use the service but feel uncomfortable for whatever reason need not worry. We will work with them to make sure they are comfortable,” Snow explained.
To find out more about the service and how to qualify call Cecil Snow at 902-736- 9350.