Top 5 SVdP stories from 2020
In a year filled with trying times, St. Vincent de Paul brought you stories of extraordinary hope, perseverance and unwavering commitment to continue serving the most vulnerable while building community.
While there were hundreds of SVdP moments worth covering and so many stories worth sharing and re-sharing, below are the five most-read SVdP articles from the year. Compiled, these popular stories show the broad reach and individual touch SVdP had on lives in 2020 while still growing its mission and spreading kindness.
Scroll below for SVdP’s five most popular stories from 2020.
1. Summer COVID-19 Testing Clinic with CVS Health
From June through September, SVdP's Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic hosted a free COVID-19 testing clinic in partnership with CVS Health. The site brought the rapid test to both insured and unisured patients in South Phoenix and resulted in more than 5,600 completed tests for the community. The SVdP testing clinic has since closed after a decline in cases and demand following the summer peak.
2. Adopt-A-Family for the holidays looks back at a 2019 match
The Radojicic and Hansen families helped show the magic of SVdP's Adopt-A-Family holiday program at work last year. The program asks one family, office or community group to sponsor gifts and a holiday meal for a family in need. Following the Radojicic and Hansen's experience last 2019 showed the possibility and meaningfulness in delivering joy during the holidays this year. After such a tough 2020, their story spurred an overwhelming response to sponsor families. Read the original story here...
3. Opening the new Hope Chest thrift store
SVdP kicked off the holiday season with a grand opening on Nov. 11 of its new Hope Chest thrift store in the North Phoenix and North Scottsdale area. The location marks the sixth SVdP thrift store in the Valley and boasts a posh interior with one-of-a-kind finds on clothing, furniture, artwork, appliances and home décor. Catch up on the grand opening and all the store details. Read the original story here...
4. Eleven joyful moments from early COVID response
Remember March? During those initial weeks of uncertainty swirling in the community about the coronavirus presence in Arizona, SVdP stayed steady, pivoting its services to practice social distancing and heightened health safety in fewer than 48 hours. Even in the midst of all the unease and stress, the nonprofit never closed its doors and didn't once lose sight of the joyful moments still happening on its campuses. See for yourself the resilience and positivity all around SVdP in those early response days. Read the original story here...
5. Michelle Rivers lived her final months in a home of her own
The heartbreak of losing Michelle Rivers, a former resident of SVdP's transitional shelter, was only softened by knowing that she spent her final months relishing her new studio apartment, decorating it to her liking and loving her independence. Health complications cut short Michelle's days of newfound stability and peace, but every day spent in her own home was one worth the journey it took her and the SVdP team to get her there. Read Michelle's full story here...
These stories aren't just words. They are moments and people that all add up to the life-changing work that happens at St. Vincent de Paul. None of it is possible without our community's generosity, so thank you for partnering with us this year and every year. We hope through these stories that you witness and know in your heart the difference you make in people's lives. We wish you peace, health and joy in the year to come!
