St. Vincent de Paul holiday outreach helps 28,000 neighbors in Treasure Valley

Mark Renick, Reentry Program Manager, received cookies when he was a resident at Idaho Maximum Security Institute. “This is a big deal to everyone,” said Renick, pictured above. (Courtesy Photos/Mareesa Rule)

By Mareesa Rule

St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho Development Director

for the ICR

THANKSGIVING FOOD BOXES

Julie Machakos, a long-time employee at St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho’s Thrift Store, recounted her interaction with a gentleman who registered for a Thanksgiving food box. When asked how many people would join him for the celebration, the man responded, “Twenty.”

Intrigued, Julie inquired further and learned he resides in a transitional facility with 19 other individuals. He explained that many of his fellow residents often spend their holidays alone, with no family nearby. This year, however, he saw an opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate as a family.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Food Box he received helped ensure a memorable gathering.

Residents of the facility worked together to prepare the meal, turning their kitchen into a hub of activity and holiday cheer. The effort brought the group closer together. From cooking the stuffing and roasting the turkey to ensuring the dessert was ready on time, it was a reminder of what the holiday season is truly about—connection, laughter and gratitude.

Thanks to the efforts of St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho and the generosity of its supporters, 16,473 neighbors across the Treasure Valley sat down to a nourishing Thanksgiving meal this year. SVdP’s Thanksgiving Food Box Program united donors, volunteers, and neighbors in need, highlighting the power of compassion and collective action.

The program, designed as a family-to-family outreach effort, connected local donors with neighbors facing food insecurity. Each food box contained all the essentials for a complete Thanksgiving feast: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, dinner rolls, vegetables and dessert. The demand for assistance was high, but thanks to the contributions of the Treasure Valley community, the program was a resounding success.

The program’s success was made possible by 787 volunteers who collectively dedicated 2,503 hours of their time. These individuals packed, distributed and delivered boxes, ensuring that thousands of families received a meal and a sense of hope and belonging. Their efforts, coupled with the generosity of donors, created a ripple effect of kindness throughout the community.

Father Ben Uhlenkott blessing Thanksgiving food boxes.

CHRISTMAS TOY STORE

This past December, 1,768 families registered to shop at Christmas Toy Store locations, providing gifts to 6,172 children. Over $153,000 worth of toys and gifts were distributed, ensuring that no child woke up on Christmas morning without something special to open.

For one mother, the Christmas Toy Store was a lifeline during a challenging year. “I was worried about how I’d give my kids a Christmas at all,” she shared. “But walking into the store, I felt so much relief. The volunteers were so kind, and I found exactly what my kids would love. It really made me feel like everything was going to be okay.”

The process begins with a personal touch: volunteers pre-register families over the phone and ensure that each household is given an appointment to shop without cost to them at one of the Christmas Toy Store locations. This thoughtful approach allows parents to browse and select the gifts that best suit their children’s interests and needs in a dignified and joyful environment.

Each year, the Christmas Toy Store opens its doors in Ada and Canyon Counties, with “pop-up” locations in Mountain Home and Ontario, Ore. Families in need can find gifts for kids up to 18 years. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers, the SVdP store transforms into a winter wonderland of toys, games and gifts, all waiting to bring smiles to young faces.

“The Christmas Toy Store is one of our most heartwarming programs,” said Ralph May, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho. “It’s a reminder that the holidays are about giving, kindness and coming together as a community to support one another. Each gift chosen and wrapped represents a moment of joy for a child and peace of mind for a parent.”

The Christmas Toy Store is made possible by the support of donors, local businesses and volunteers who give their time and resources to make it all happen. Volunteers embody the spirit of the season, sorting and organizing toys, assisting parents as they shop and ensuring that every family who walks through the doors feels welcomed and supported.

COOKIES FOR CORRECTIONS

Cookies for Corrections, organized by St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho’s Reentry Program, brings hope and kindness to those often forgotten during the holiday season.

“I personally received cookies when I spent time out there [Idaho Maximum Security Institute] many years ago. This is a big deal to everyone,” said Mark Renick, Reentry Program Manager. “With a simple ‘Merry Christmas, we’re thinking about you, God loves you,’ we can show compassion and care, reaching everyone, no matter their situation.”

From Dec. 16 to Dec. 20, the team collected an astounding 250,000 cookies, which were delivered to residents at South Boise Women’s Correctional Center, Idaho State Correctional Institution, South Idaho Correctional Institution, Idaho Maximum Security Institution, Idaho State Correctional Center, and Mountain View Transformational Center. Six thousand inmates received cookies during this year’s campaign.

This small yet meaningful gesture offers an opportunity to extend compassion, fellowship and community to incarcerated individuals in Idaho. For many residents, receiving Christmas cookies may be the only act of humanity and kindness they experience during the holiday season.

It’s a reminder that even in challenging circumstances, they are not alone and are still valued members of the community. Cookies for Corrections is a powerful example of how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

LEND A NEIGHBOR A HELPING HAND

In 2024, St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho helped over 166,000 neighbors in the Treasure Valley through direct financial assistance, food, Thrift Store vouchers and Re-entry and Career Development services. To get involved, offer support or learn more about St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho, please visit svdpid.org.