Seasonal Programs

FAN & A/C DISTRIBUTION

Every day, families across Greater Cincinnati struggle to afford the basics, such as food, furniture or housing. That’s why St. Vincent de Paul helps make the summer days a little easier through our Fan and A/C Distribution, presented by Braun Heating and Air Conditioning. For over 20 years, this program has helped provide relief to neighbors, particularly for those most vulnerable to the effects of high heat and humidity, including the elderly, families with young children, and those with certain medical conditions.

In 2022, we once again provided heat relief to more families than ever before, distributing 1,522 box fans and 980 air conditioning units, an increase of 45% more households served than the year prior. Special thanks to a new sponsor of the program in 2022, SageSure Insurance, for helping to make this extraordinary effort possible.

STRIKE OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

Without free or reduced-price meals provided at school, more children go hungry during the summer months. For the past 15 years, Reds fans have generously stepped up to address food insecurity in our community by donating nonperishable food before select ball games. This year was no different, as we collected enough food to provide 2,916 meals for local families. Thank you to our partners on this initiative, the Cincinnati Reds, WLWT, and iHeart Media.

WINTER COAT DISTRIBUTION*

Each winter, St. Vincent de Paul collects new and gently-used coats, hats, mittens and more to distribute to our neighbors. With the help of partners WLWT, Warm 98.5, Lemasters Consulting and Gold Star Chili, and over 100 other businesses, schools and churches, thousands of coats were collected to spread warmth and comfort to those in need.

This winter, we provided 2,165 neighbors with a coat through three distribution events. Notably, our first distribution of the season at Elder High School was our largest ever, with 950 neighbors receiving a warm winter coat. We have continued to offer coat vouchers throughout the winter, and have distributed 673 additional coats through that model.

CHRISTMAS GIFT ASSISTANCE*

Spreading the joy of Christmas is a cherished tradition at St. Vincent de Paul – and this year, we reached more families than ever before! Thanks to the many supporters who gave to our Angel Toy program, Christmas Together, and the Tepee Giving Tree, 3,058 children unwrapped presents this Christmas, making the holidays brighter for 1,175 families in need.

We could not have fulfilled so many requests for gift assistance without the hundreds of individuals, businesses, schools and other groups who organized toy collections, purchased presents, sorted donations, shopped with our neighbors, and so much more. Thank you!

There’s nothing that makes the holidays more special than sharing time with loved ones over a home cooked meal. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas food distributions, operated through the Catino Choice Food Pantry, helped ensure this important tradition continued for 1,318 families who received a Thanksgiving meal, and 1,373 families who received a meal for Christmas. Many more families were served through holiday meal programs facilitated by our parish Conferences.

HOLIDAY MEALS*

*These programs reflect results for programs held in fiscal year 2023