The St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Joseph of the Panther Valley is part of a 188-year-old international service organization.

The group was founded on the principle that no act of charity is foreign, and the local chapter takes that approach to its neighbors.

“It’s really rewarding to see how everyone in the community works together,” said Theresa Lilly.

Food, clothing, housing and financial help are some of the services that they provide around the Panther Valley.

St. Vincent de Paul came to the Panther Valley more than 50 years ago. The former St. Michael’s Parish in Lansford had an active group for many years. Today the group is as strong as ever at the consolidated St. Joseph Parish.

Members are motivated by their faith, and the knowledge that a simple act can have larger effects in a person’s life.

“You know that maybe what you’re helping them with is that hand up they need that will help them from going underwater,” said Maryellen Ogozalek.

Throughout the year, they provide an emergency food pantry to families. At Christmas and Easter, they deliver hot meals to people in the community.

They collect and distribute clothing - particularly coats for children and veterans. The organization is a big part of the Valor Foundation’s Stand Down outreach events in Lansford. They give bookbags and school supplies to all students who attend the events.

During the summer, the group operates a community garden. Produce is donated to the Lansford Hi-Rise and senior centers around Panther Valley.

The group has a phone number set up for people in the community who need their help. It is staffed Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

If a neighbor needs a service that the organization doesn’t provide, they will do their best to connect their neighbors to someone who does.

“Sometimes the ideas come from the people themselves,” said Dorothy Kuhn.

The organization relies on the generosity of their fellow parishioners, and members of the community who make donations. Each year, St. Joseph’s holds a Feast of St. Vincent to support the group. People who have gotten help from the organization before have come back and given their time.

“It’s part of our Christian spirit,” Kuhn said.