St Vincent De Paul Society (SVDP)
@ STSMCFC, Somerset
@ STSMCFC, Somerset
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) at St Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Somerset, NJ is a vibrant and compassionate community dedicated to promoting charity and providing support to those in need. Rooted in the principles of Christian charity, this society is a beacon of hope and assistance for the less fortunate in our community.
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to serving the poor and needy through various charitable endeavors. One significant initiative is our soup kitchen, where volunteers selflessly devote their time to preparing and serving nourishing meals to individuals facing economic hardships. This simple yet impactful act of kindness not only addresses immediate hunger but also fosters a sense of community and support.
In addition to the soup kitchen, the SVDP team actively engages in supporting local township, youth groups, flood victims, house construction, school education, visit old age homes, food banks, supporting medical expenses for those who may not have the means to afford essential healthcare. This initiative reflects our belief in the inherent dignity of every individual and our dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medical care.
Beyond immediate needs, our society also works towards providing long-term solutions by contributing to the construction of homes and other essential facilities. This effort aims to create stable and supportive environments for families and individuals struggling with housing insecurities.
Furthermore, the St. Vincent de Paul Society extends its charitable reach beyond religious boundaries, actively participating in secular activities that promote the common good. By collaborating with various organizations and community groups, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of the marginalized and underserved.
In essence, the St. Vincent de Paul Society at our church is a shining example of compassionate service and social responsibility. Through its diverse initiatives, this community fosters a spirit of solidarity, kindness, and generosity, embodying the teachings of love and charity that lie at the core of our faith.
Amount Contributed
$444,909.15
# of Projects
65 +
Contributors
242+
* from 1/1/2013 to 10/23/2023
We are so grateful for your continued support in our SVDP fundraising efforts. We’re seeking cheerful volunteers to join us to support various charity projects.
This gathering is a chance to enrich our community bonds and make a joyful contribution towards our shared goals. As we come together in fellowship and service, we’re reminded of how each small act of kindness is a step closer to heaven.
Let’s share laughter, stories, and some delicious breakfast puffs. Your presence would be a blessing. Hope to see you there! ❤️”
SVDP Team
2023
List of projects from 2022
SVDP-2023-001 : Annamma - Help support with medical expenses
SVDP-2023-002 : Joyce family - Family is
SVDP-2023-003 : Support Students Excellence Education Program in Changanaserry, India to support children who need financial support.
SVDP-2023-004: Shiny Shaji - - Help support with medical expenses
SVDP-2023-00x: Support charity activities of San Jose Care Home, Manalur, India
San Jose Care Home in Manalur is an institution for the elderly under the St. Thomas Province of Malabar Missionary Brothers, a monastic order founded by Monsignor Zacharias Vazhapilly in 1948. This monastic community is involved in various ancillary activities such as old age homes, training, and rehabilitation for the mentally challenged, training centers for working youth, and rehabilitation centers for wandering youth.
In 2000, this monastic congregation split into two separate provinces. Assisi Province is centered in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, and St. Thomas Province is in Mariapuram, Thrissur district.
The Manalur San Jose Care Home was launched in 2021 and currently accommodates 21 residents, including four inpatients. The primary focus of the care home is to provide palliative care for patients. Regardless of caste and creed, everyone receives free food, lodging, clothing, treatment, and care. The care home serves as a refuge for poor individuals, but it requires significant funding each month to cover their daily expenses and treatment. The institution relies partially on donations from affluent individuals in Manalur and the surrounding areas, who contribute in the form of cash and food. However, at times, the institution falls short of the necessary funds, thus seeking assistance from compassionate individuals like you.
Despite receiving approval from the Kerala Orphanage Control Board, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Kerala Government, the care home does not receive any financial aid from the government for its operations.
Please reach out to SVDP team leads for complete list of 2023 project and for more details of each project - svdp@stthomassyronj.org .
2022
List of projects from 2022
SVDP-2022-101 : Joseph Joseph - Help support with medical expenses
SVDP-2022-102 : Emmanuel Kripa Rehab Center - Building project
SVDP-2022-103 : Support Kootikkal Flood Relief activities in India
SVDP-2022-104 : Thajunisa - Building project
SVDP-2022-105 : Lenten Madagaskar project - - Building project
SVDP-2022-106 : Ittanagar - AP Tribals project
SVDP-2022-107 : Catherine John Thurackal - Building project
SVDP-2022-108 : Ukraine Relief for Sr Mary Ann congrigation and children support
SVDP-2022-109 : Mariyasadanam - Jimmy Joy - Support children with disabilities
SVDP-2022-110 : Pulincunnoo Home Construction for Reji Varghese, Pulimkunnu, Alappuzha
SVDP-2022-111 : Jeremy Joseph - Help with medical expense
SVDP-2022-112 : Bharathi Raghavan - Help with medical expense
SVDP-2022-112 : Mariasadanam (volleyball group) - Playground project for school children
SVDP-2022-114 - Philomina Joseph - Building project
Please reach out to SVDP team leads for complete list of 2022 project and for more details of each project - svdp@stthomassyronj.org.
2021
December 2021
As part of 2021 year's advent activity, SVDP has taken up to support familiies affected by in recent landslide in Koottickal, India that swept many houses and created widespread damage to the area. Twenty-three people died, and 118 houses were destroyed in this incident.
During this incident, we assisted flood victims last year in buying house utensils for them.
2021
October 2021
Donating to Franklin Township Food bank
June 2021
St Paul Parish Princeton NJ
Distribute food to the needy people in the Princeton area immigrant community on a quarterly basis.
2020
May 2020 - Jun 2020
Helping the Sisters of Notre Dame, Bihar, India
Waiting for the Migrant brothers and Sisters from 6 am to 9 am, 5 pm to 6:30 pm has left me speechless. " Didi Itna Saara de rahi hain" " Didi, mujhe bhi deejiye," " Didi kuch nahin khaye hain", mujhe Paani deejiye" are a few call outs continue to reverberate in my ears, heart and mind.
Bus full of people were travelling from Bangalore, Surat, Panjab, Haryana, Allahabad, and other places of Uttar Pradesh to their destinations - Kishanganj, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Lakhisarai, Pandarakh and other innumerable places. One famished tired looking lean man asked whether the road would take him to Kolkata! He had only a small white bundle on his head, held the food packet in his left hand and the water bottle we gave, in the right. Without delay he dragged himself Eastward! We were lost in his journey that we forgot to take a pic😞.
There is much one can write but I feel it's better to stay in silence, accompany them to their quarantine centers and pray that they remain healthy, safe and back to their loved ones and of course to a better future!
This day became a reality to us as we Sisters decided to share our savings of Christmas, Lenten, Good Friday, Easter savings, and Personal Allowance. We shared the idea with teachers and invited them to join us with suggestions as to what would be the best items to pack. In a few hours time we were able to pack 118 packets of dry food. Few more packet offers came so we could multiply the packets to 161 packets☺ and water bottles too.
NDA, NTPC Barh!
May 2020
Donating to Franklin Township Food bank
Every year Franklin Township organizes two fund raising events which raises about $100,000. This year both events were cancelled due to COVID. Per conversations with the mayor of Franklin Township and the food bank contact, they are in a serious shortage of food to give out to the poor. The need for food is higher with COVID and funds are not there due to cancelled fundraiser events.
Franklin Township is one of the most impacted by COVID in Somerset county.
Most other Townships have other locations in addition to food bank (like a church or so) that gives out food. For Franklin Township it’s only the food bank.
Most of all, our palli is located in Franklin Township and we have the responsibility to help our neighbors during this tough time.
We helped the local food pantry with food items.
Apr 2020
St Paul Parish Princeton NJ
Distribute food to the needy people in the Princeton area immigrant community on a quarterly basis.
2020
SVDP distributed $127,830 in FY2020 alone for various charitable activities, and conducted a Covid Testing Site at our community hall, as well as a Covid Vaccination site at our community hall.
2018
Sep 2018
Thanks to support and generosity of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) community of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Somerset, NJ in supporting over 75 + families with much needed house hold items, after devastating flood in parts of Kerala.
2017
May 2017
Our CCD Eighth Grade Class assisted in the 2017 Track and Field Special Olympics in Somerset, New Jersey.
April 2017
Our CCD Ninth Grade Class visited a nearby Adult Daycare Center and spent time with them.
Jan 2017
Our Youth and adults went to theNew Jersey Somerset Bowling Special Olympics, and assisted the participants.
2017
Thanks to support and generosity of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) community of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Somerset, NJ in supporting over 75 + families with much needed house hold items, after devastating flood in parts of Kerala.
2016
Feb 2016
In February, our Church Youth and Children's Choir sang for St. Joseph's Assisted Senior Living Community in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Jan 2016
In January, our adult volunteers went to the Ronald McDonald House with food service assistance.
2016
Since 2016, 255 units of blood were collected from our community volunteers to help 615 patients (in arrangement with NJ Blood Services).
2014
Dec 2014
Our Church Children's Choir sang at the Bridgeway Senior Healthcare Center in Hilsborough, New Jersey.
April 2014
Our Church Palm of God Choir group visited the elderly at Bridgeway Senior Healthcare Center in Hilsborough, New Jersey.
Jan 2014
Our Marian Mothers served at the Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
2013
Dec 2013
Location: Bridgeway Care Nursing Home (Bridgewater, NJ)
Our Children singing carol at the Nursing home.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UbGtMynp4HtXLZRQ8
Apr 2013
Our parishioners provided companionship to the residents of Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ.
https://plus.google.com/photos/117495062290161759932/albums/597296241550...
Jan 2013
Our parishioners provided companionship to the residents of Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ.
2012
Dec 15, 2012
Location: Bridgeway Care Nursing Home (Bridgewater, NJ)
Activity: Carol Singing Grace Alexander, Isaac Alexander, Leona Anithanam, Gracious Anithanam, George Benoy, Jasmine Chennattu, Sophie Cherayil, Maryann Cherayil, Joseph Chirayil, Antony Cyriac, Varsha Cyriac, Augustine George, Jerine George, Jovlin Jose, Jovial Jose, Peter Joseph, Amy Kuriakose, Danny Kuriakose, Elizabeth Kuriakose, Rose Martin, Hannah Manjooran, Shawn Menachery, Sangeeth Menachery, Namitha Nixon, Priya Pasricha, Joshua Payyapilly, Jaison Payyappilly, Brianna Perumpail, Brittany Perumpail, Abel Stephen, Kevin Stephen, Ryan Stephen, Kenny Thadikkaran, Abu Thomas, Remy Chirayil, Deepa George, Martin George, Shine Stephen, Gigi Jose, Roy Thadikkaran, Jolly Thadikkaran, Saly Cyriac
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UGvmwUgXapjTcQmj8
Nov 17, 2012
Location: Arc of Somerset County, Bridgewater, NJ
Activity: Paint the work area of the disabled.
Volunteers: Thomson Thomas, Ani Thomas, James George, Saly Cyriac
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjMpuy5AFWp6NnZJ9
Apr 28, 2012
Location: Arc of Somerset County, Hillsborough, NJ
Paint the work area of the disabled.
Volunteers: Thomas Padavil, Omana Padavil, Jerry Kuriakose, Joy Chettan (Cherian Alexander), Mariamma Chechy, Alex Crispin, James Mathew, Jose Antony, Beena Jose, Saly Cyriac.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iKLx4Svrk17r1zfYA
Apr 05, 2012
Location: The People Care Center (Adult Day Center) of Somerset County, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Activity: Help the residents to enjoy and participate in an Easter Party.
Volunteers: Danny P., Danny K., Brittany, Brianna, Brandon, Antony, Varsha, Sophia, Jovlin, Joshua, Jojo Pulikeyil, Suja Perumpail and Saly.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cJEc8HuhX7xesY3A9
Mar 31, 2012
A group of 18 adults from our church cooked and served meal for about 100 people at the Elijah's promise Soup Kitchen.
Location: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Activity: Cook and Serve Dinner
Volunteers: Shali John, Reeya George, Robin George, Mariamma Karimattom, Bindhu Sojimon, Manju Lego, Dennis Renny, Cyriac Antony, Saly Cyriac, Shine Stephen, Glory Varghese, Remy Chirayil, Mercy James, Paulose Kannai, Nisha Jose, Smitha Jose, Shince and Leena.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EWer4u2Gko4vVebaA
Jan 14, 2012
A group of 6 youth and 4 adults painted the group home of the disabled of the ARC of Somerset county located in Bridgewater, NJ. Volunteers: Vileena, Veslyne, Reshma, Sumi, Tara, Chris, Vijayan (Jose), Salimma, Cyriac and Saly
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CpX7zfTjhuDavdz77
Jan 07, 2012
A group of 12 of our youth provided companionship to the residents of Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ.
Volunteers: Vileena, Veslyne, Reshma, James, Jose, Joyal, Nilu, Crystal, Tara and Mariya
2011
Dec 27, 2011
Location: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Activity: Serve Dinner
Volunteers: Brittany, Varsha, Neethu, Danny P., Luke, Sneha, Jojo P., Cyriac and Saly.
Dec 17, 2011
Location: Bridgeway Care Nursing Home (Bridgewater, NJ)
Activity: Carol Singing
Volunteers: Shawn Menachery, Augustine George, Peter Joseph, Crystal Joseph, Varsha Cyriac, Antony Cyriac, Jojo Pulikeyil, Sophie Cherayil, Maryann Cherayil, Julia John, Amy Kuriakose, Danny Kuriakose, Mariya George, Ranjeet George, Sophia Chirayil, Joseph Chirayil, Thomas James, Keith Thadikkaran, Kenny Thadikkaran, Priya Pasricha, Abu Thomas, Julia Chakkupurackal, John Chakkupurackal, Joshua Payyapilly, Jason Payyappilly, Leia Abraham, Jovlin Jose, Jovial Jose, Saumya Thudiyil, Rose Martin, Merin Kalapurackal, John Kalapurackal, Robin George, Sini Kalapurackal, Roy Thadikkaran, Jolly Thadikkaran, Saly Cyriac, Cyriac Antony and George Varkey
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1KAmP1NpQKQrkFSK9
Nov 19, 2011
A group of children and adults provided companionship to the residents of Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ
Volunteers: Joshua, Luke, Neethu, Ranjeet, Varsha, Sneha, Saumya, Danny, Mercy, Shali, Cyriac and Saly.
Aug 30, 2011
Location: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Activity: Serve Dinner
Volunteers: Brandon, Brittany, Brianna, Sneha, Sophia, Visak, Luke, Thomas Karimatton Uncle, Suja Perumpail & Saly.
Apr 21, 2011
Location: The People Care Center (Adult Day Center) of Somerset County, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Activity: Help the residents to enjoy and participate in an Easter Party.
Volunteers: Mariya, Ranjeet, Luke, Abraham, Leia, Divya, Saumya, Tommy, Antony, Varsha, Jojo, Femina and Saly.
Thank you letter: AdultDayCare.pdf
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Po2cnQF3pkAWnsq9
Apr 02, 2011
Location: The Arc of Somerset County, 1 Ardsley road, Hillsborough , NJ 08844
Activity: Painting the interior of a group home of the disabled.
Volunteers: Thomas Cherian, Jose Joseph (Vijayan), Sally Vijayan, James Joseph, Jose James, Nikitha, Sunny Joseph, Alex Crispin, Cyriac and Saly.
https://picasaweb.google.com/emailsaly/HousePaintingAtTheArc?authkey=Gv1sRgCMrgnYyIkdSxIA&feat=email
Mar 05, 2011
Location: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Activity: Serve Dinner
Volunteers: Abraham, Shilpa, Nishitha, Kevin, Neethu, Thomson, Thomas Nirappel, Shali, Saly
Feb 26, 2011
Location: Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, 18 Nielson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Activity: Serve Dinner
Volunteers: Robin, Danny K., Varsha, Antony, Keith, Tomy, Cyriac, Saly
2010
Mar 27, 2010
A group of 15 members from our church enjoyed more fun time with the residents of the "The Arc of Somerset County."
Mar 13, 2010
A group of 12 of our youth will provided companionship to the residents of Matheny Medical and Educational Center.
2009
Nov 2009
A group of 9 people from our church painted the home of the disabled residents of the "The Arc of Somerset County", located in Hillsborough, NJ. This is a group that serves over one thousand individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our activity was to paint 4 rooms of a group home of seven residents.
The residents and the management were very appreciative of us helping to beautify their home. Most of all, they were amazed to know the existence of a Christianity community among the people of Indian origin. We left the place exceptionally satisfied, making a small difference in their lives. Although this seems as a small activity for us, for them it is great as these residents are confined inside their home most of their time. Beautiful smile bloomed on the faces of the residents gave us a lot to be happy about, one great reward for us!
Thank you letter from Arc
Hi Saly,
A great big THANK YOU to your group of volunteers that painted at the Ardsley Group Home on Saturday!! You did a fantastic job, and the residents and staff are so appreciative. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves, and The Arc would welcome St. Thomas Syro Malabar Church back anytime!!
With warm regards,
Tara
Tara Abbott
Assistant Director of Development
The Arc of Somerset County
141 S Main Street,
Manville, NJ 08835
P: 908.725.8544 x610 F: 908.704.0850
* Where people with developmental disabilities learn to live their dreams. *
Oct 2009
A group of 11 people from our church visited the Matheny Medical and Educational Center, located in Peapack, NJ. This is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities. We were assigned to help about 40 noticeably disabled residents. When we arrived, we didn’t know how we can help those with such extreme disability. But within minutes, by the grace of God, we were able to help them to draw, play games, paint, write stories and sing in their own way. Our companionship helped them to escape from their loneliness and made them feel important.
The experience at The Matheny hit us hard mentally. We were dazed for few days; to know that a world like that existed. Among those disabled was a great story teller who needed someone to write the stories for her and a great drawing artist who needed someone to hold the paper and pencil for him, one teenager who needed a friend to talk about the all the recent electronic gadgets, one gentleman who loved us whispering to him… We couldn’t forget the faces of those angels; we couldn’t forget their innocent smiles and how helpless they are. We felt they need us more… so we decided to go back there again…
This experience made us realize the true meaning of our life here on earth… we experienced the joy in knowing the true value of our time; reward is priceless when we help the less fortunate.
Aug 2009
A group of our youth from our church helped to clean up the woods near the Raritan River as part of the New Jersey states first annual statewide summer river cleanup activity. This activity made our youth feel more united; they were tremendously satisfied knowing that they made a difference in this world. The thank you note received from the organizer made them energized, wanting to do more volunteer work.
