Celebrity golfers Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Fox5 News Anchor Russ Spencer, and WSB Action News Anchor Justin Farmer were among those in attendance.  Former University of Georgia  Head Coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley also made the rounds to meet and greet all the players.

Tee Off for Hope is one of two annual special events hosted by the Society in Georgia. The other is ‘Evening for Hope’ the Society’s annual Back-Tie Gala. It will be held this year on October 6, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with special keynote speaker Ambassador Andrew Young.

Fox5 News Anchor Russ Spencer takes his tee shot while WSB Action News Anchor Justin Farmer and SVdP Atlanta CEO John Berry watch

You can read the Press Release from the DeKalb CEO at http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/portals/news-room/a_release.asp?filePK=1452

SVdP CEO and Executive Director John Berry and Director of Client Support Serene Coleman are shown accepting the Community Here Award from CEO Burrell Ellis and Carolyn Glenn, Publisher, The Champion Newspaper

Everybody should contribute to make the world a better place. We should start where we live!  –A Fourth Grader

$5,000 allows one homeless person to complete the SVdP Transitional job Training Program.

No one should starve because some people have a surplus of food.   –A Fifth Grader

$1,000 buys groceries for a family of 4 for 3 Months.

I hope people will help the poor so much that there are no more poor people left in the world.  –A Fifth Grader

$750 buys 3 months’ rent for a family.

My hope is to give every poor person a home, or at least warm clothing, or a blanket so they won’t freeze!  –A Fifth Grader

$500 buys electricity for one family for 3 months.

My hope or the world is that no one will go hungry ever again; every person is never poor or homeless and no one would hurt.  –A Fifth Grader

$300 buys 3 months of water for a family of 4.

I hope people have no sadness and anger and everyone will be filled with joy!
–A Fifth Grader

My hope or the world is everyone should be healthy, just like me! And look through the eyes of love.  –A Fourth Grader

$100 will pay for 25 prescriptions.

My hope is to provide clothes for people who need them.  –A Fifth Grader

$50 buys jeans and shoes for 4 children.

My hope is an end to poverty, there are many who are poor, without shelter, and with no work or source of income. We should help the less fortunate.   –A Fifth Grader
$25 buys groceries for one week for a family of 4.

I hope even though we don’t have the same customs, the same freedom or the same way of living, everyone can all be friends.
–A Fourth Grader

Everybody should contribute to make the world a better place. We should start where we live!  –A Fourth Grader

My hope for the world is peace, love and joy!
–A Fourth Grader

I hope people don’t give up or lose hope!
–A Fourth Grader

Everyone should have a home, I feel really bad when I see someone on the street begging for money so they can live. We should help!
–A Fifth Grader

I hope parents won’t have to struggle to raise their children so they can get a good education and take care of themselves.  –A Fifth Grader

We are encouraged by the love and generosity in the hearts of your young friends. We hold the same hopes in our hearts for the many we serve through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. . We wish it was as easy as buying a gift and giving it, but we know…

You can’t but hope, but you can give it!

Won’t you help us to create the future they seek with such sincere hearts?

Please donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and help us to put hope into action! 

Donate. Volunteer. Learn More.

GoodSearch – You Search, We Give
Eat at a Good Dining* Restaurant and 6% will go to St. Vincent de Paul, Atlanta.  Register today!
https://www.goodsearch.com/gooddining-rn

All of the items purchased from this website are the same style, product code and prices found on the 1800Flowers website. Additionally, all of the items are delivered through the 1-800Flowers / BloomNet network of Florists throught the U.S.

The mission of Flowers & Gifts USA is two-fold…

1. To make the best seasonal flowers and gifts available online to the world so that you can be proud to send a gift of your emotions and expressions to your loved ones that are residing in the United States of America.
2. To help fundraising organizations through the online sale of flowers & gifts. A percentage of the proceeds from your purchases from this website go directly to our organization.

We realize that you have a wide choice of companies to choose from when purchasing and sending the gift of flowers. However, now you have the opportunity to support your favorite cause while doing so. We appreciate your support!

SHOP NOW!

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national initiative of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that offers FREE tax help to low- to moderate-income ($49,000 and below for 2011) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. IRS certified and trained volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, help prepare basic tax returns and help working families with special tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly for which they may qualify. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, churches, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Each location also offers free electronic filing.

The Society, in partnership with the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign, provides free federal and Georgia  income tax preparation for those below the $49,000 household income threshold.

During the traditional income tax reporting season, guests are invited to have their taxes prepared free of charge. This service affords guests the ability of saving the preparation cost and ensures that all credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit) and other deductions that provide monetary refunds are included. These cost-saving measures can make a huge impact on households that are financially struggling

February 7-April 12, 2012

Tax Preparation Sites:

SVdP Family Support Center
2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30341

Hours Operation:
Tuesday & Thursday
4 to 8 p.m.

Call to schedule an appointment: 678-892-6160
Monday thru Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SVdP Family Support Center
651 West Memorial Dr.
Dallas, GA 30312

Hours Operation:
Tuesday & Thursday
2 to 7 p.m

Call to schedule an appointment:770-443-1537
Monday thru Friday
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Don’t pay for filing, loans, or rapid refund

VITA e-filing gets your cash fast! (7-10 days)
You May be Eligible for the Following Tax Credits:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) up to $5,657
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Education Credit

Make sure you bring these documents with you to have your taxes prepared:

• Social Security Cards for all family members, and correct birthdates for all family members
• 2010 tax return
• All W-2’s for 2011Form 1098-Mortgage interest, property taxes
• Form 1099-DIV, G, INT, Q, R, RRB, SSA, for 2011
• Voided checking account number for direct deposit of your refund. (This is optional but gets your cash to you fast)
• A photo ID (you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
• Joint returns require both filers to be present to sign the return
• If you had child care expenses, bring the name, address, and tax ID or social security number of the care provider
• If you have educational expenses, bring the 1098-T or 1098-E

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul opened the expanded St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in downtown Kennesaw, at 2722 Summers St. with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 17.  

Thank you to Mayor Mark Mathews, who cut the ribbon and to Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Trash, City Manager Steve Kennedy,  and  Councilmembers Bruce Jenkins,Tim Killingsworth, and Jeff Ducket for helping us celebrateAlso pictured are SVdP Executive Director and CEO, John Berry, SVdP Director of Operations, Kevin Barbee and Kennesaw Thrift Store Manager, Sandra Bryant.  Rev. Fr. Jose Kochuparampil, from St. Catherine of Sienna, celebrated a blessing of the new store.

The new 10,000 square foot space replaces the smaller store which was previously immediately next door. The new location will allow for expanded merchandising space.  The store will be extending its hours of operation in 2012.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta empowers people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or faith, to achieve self-sufficiency by offering financial, material, educational, and spiritual support and by collaborating with others to develop and deliver programs and services that help those in need.

SVdP is part of an international organization and have operated in North & Middle Georgia since 1903.

Dear Friends,

Over the past few years during the holidays, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Atlanta has sent a Christmas card appeal asking for your help. This year we are not sending a traditional Christmas card request. The need in our community is too great to spend funds on printed cards rather than on programs and services for our neighbors in need. We can’t justify the cost when so many are hungry and hurting.

Last year:
• 35,000 Families had light, heat and water, because of you. • 20,000 Families were not homeless, because of you.
• 60,500 Children did not go hungry because of you. • 189,505 people had hope or a better future, because of you.

This year:
We need your help! If each person we ask donates $50 more than last year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be able to meet the increased requests for:
• electric bills • housing • food • job search assistance
• gas bills • medical care • job training • transportation

Once the Christmas tree is put away and the glow of the twinkle lights has faded, you will know that you have been a part of offering hope for more stable and self-sufficient lives for those who are suffering this holiday season. Please give generously.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

In peace,
John A. Berry
Executive Director & CEO

Although St. Vincent de Paul is not listed as a United Way partner, participants in the United Way campaign can write in St. Vincent de Paul as a designated charity for their contribution.  SVdP Atlanta accepts more referrals from United Way 211 than any other Atlanta agency. If you have the opportunity to donate to United Way, please write in
St. Vincent de Paul. For more information visit

http://www.unitedwayatlanta.org

______________________________________________________

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

http://www.opm.gov/cfc/

CFC is the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.  SVdP is part of the Metropolitan Atlanta Campaign # 0211

http://www.cfcatlanta.westhostsite.com/_root/
SVdP ID#-15524

______________________________________________________

Georgia State Charitable Contributions Program

 
http://www.spa.ga.gov/employees/sccp_Main/index.asp

In 1982, the Georgia General Assembly established the annual program giving state employees a convenient way to contribute to participating charitable organizations through payroll deductions. Employees can make unrestricted donations or contribute to a specific organization. Independent and federated charities supported by the campaign provide health, welfare and educational programs to individuals across Georgia.  For more details on the State Charitable Contributions Program.

 http://www.spa.ga.gov/employees/sccp_Main/index.asp

SVdP ID # 180000