PITTSBURG, CALIFORNIA – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Contra Costa County received a $10,000 grant award today from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for support of SVdP’s safety-net and food programs supporting hungry and low-income residents of Contra Costa County.

Heidi Racherla, SVP at Bank of America, San Francisco-East Bay, presented the check to St. Vincent de Paul today, in recognition of “Giving Tuesday”, a global day focusing on helping philanthropies and non-profits.  Racherla noted the work of St. Vincent de Paul as strategically aligning with B of A’s philanthropic efforts.  “Bank of America is committed to helping our most vulnerable individuals and families with hunger relief and access to benefits and services, not only through financial support but with significant volunteer engagement as well.” she stated.

The mission of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County and it’s 700 active volunteers, is to provide support and outreach to those suffering and in need.  Annually, the non-profit serves over 160,000 county residents via food pantries, emergency rental assistance, free medical clinic services, free dining room, daytime homeless shelter, free clothing, and job training programs.  One of the tenants of St. Vincent de Paul’s volunteer outreach is to meet those in need in their homes, to understand the comprehensive needs of the family and how to best respond with help.

SVdP in Contra Costa operates 27 branches, based in Catholic churches, plus a service center in Pittsburg. Many of the 27 SVdP branches are conducting special Thanksgiving and Christmas basket programs, resulting in over 20,000 county residents receiving support this holiday season from SVdP of Contra Costa County.

SVdP of Contra Costa provides help in many forms – groceries, hot meals, clothing, furniture, rent and utilities assistance, medical care, winter shelter and helping out-of-work people climb back into the job market. Two thrift stores (Pleasant Hill and Pittsburg), provide clothing for the needy and a setting for job training.