Deacon Terry
Friends of the Community
Recently, I received a phone call from the folks at the Old Navy store in the Chicago Ridge Commons. Their company encourages the employees to get involved in community service and to look for ways to contribute to the work of helping those less fortunate. Somehow they heard about our PADS shelter and wanted to know if they could be of assistance. I met with the manager, a man named Terry (God thing or coincidence?) and his assistant Nicole. I shared with them about PADS and some the needs we have and also about our St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. After agreeing to collect some personal care and clothing items, he handed me several checks totaling $1000 to be spent as I saw fit. Needless to say, I was quite surprised and overwhelmed. I thanked them profusely and we agreed that the money would be split between PADS and St. Vincent de Paul. The conversation ended with handshakes and their assurance of future help in an ongoing relationship.
Every so often, God throws a little surprise our way and all we can do is say "thank you", promise to keep our eyes open for the next one and strive to be obedient to what he asks of us. On behalf of the Our Lady of the Ridge PADS program, St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, our volunteers and those we serve, I want to offer a heartfelt "thank you" to the good people at Old Navy. May God bless you and keep you close to his heart where those in need find help.
Peace,
Deacon Terry