Salvation Army Vouchers

As many of you know, a substantial portion of the money that our parish donates to the poor is used to purchase vouchers for the Salvation Army shelter on Claiborne Avenue.  We purchase the vouchers for $10, and the voucher provides a homeless person with access to a bed, a shower and two square meals.  This week I received a letter from the Salvation Army telling us that, due to our having purchased 500 vouchers this year, we now qualify as a “Shelter Partner,” meaning that our vouchers will now cost us 20% less, or $8.00.  Instead of keeping the savings, we have decided to purchase 20% more vouchers each month to further help those who are in need.  “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” …  “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.”  (Mt 24:35, 45)