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Ladies Of Charity: Giving In Service Of God’s Poor
For the past 90 years, the Ladies of Charity (LC) of Quincy has touched the hearts and souls of the poorest among us in beautiful ways, showing them the boundless mercy of God.
“Working with the Ladies of Charity is fulfilling because it allows you to serve others,” says Lynn Semerad, an LC volunteer. “When you see the needs of the poor and the hope they express when they receive a helping hand, you know the purpose of the Ladies of Charity is being fulfilled.”
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The Ladies of Charity is a Vincentian ministry that was founded by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac in France in 1617. Its purpose is to serve Christ in the person of the poor and its motto is “to serve, rather than be served, in humility, simplicity and charity.” There are two LC locations in Quincy that are run with the help of generous volunteers. One is a center located at 510 South 4 th Street, and the other is a thrift store at 2325 Elm Street. Volunteer opportunities include working directly with clients; sorting and cleaning clothing for the racks; assembling food boxes; and stocking racks, pricing items, and cashiering at the thrift store. The LC is a worldwide organization, with over 6,000 members in the United States and 135 active members in Quincy, along with countless others who support the ministry with prayer and donations.
The Ladies of Charity is an entirely separate ministry from Catholic Charities, which is a social service organization with paid administrators, operating under the guidance of our diocese. On the contrary, all of the efforts of the Ladies of Charity, including the thrift store and center, are completely staffed and organized by volunteers.
At the Ladies of Charity Thrift Store, donated clothing and household items are sorted, priced, displayed, and sold to the public at reasonable prices. All proceeds generated at the store help purchase new items for the Ladies of Charity Center, such as fresh food, underwear, bedding, diapers, and hygiene items. At the center, donated items include clothing, household items, and food, which are distributed at no charge. The thrift store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center — including the food pantry — is currently open on Monday and Friday mornings. Additional afternoon hours will be added if more volunteers are able to help in the future. Donated items may be brought to either location during open hours.
“Both locations welcome your prayers and donations, but most of all we need your time,” says Judy Nelson, who serves as our parish liaison for the Ladies of Charity. “Our organization serves the poorest of the poor in our area. It provides excellent opportunities to live the Gospel message by serving our brothers and sisters in need.”
The food collection taken up by our Social Concerns group on the first Sunday of every month is donated to the Ladies of Charity Food Pantry.
“Volunteers with non-judgmental hearts are needed at this time,” Judy says. “Men are most welcome to come and help, as well.”
