The Society of St Vincent dePaul (SSVdP) for both St Joseph and St Anthony Churches in Gretna held its annual reverse food drive this month. Over 1,000 food items were collected and distributed to 22 households, where 70 family members were treated to variety of meats, fruits, vegetables, and pasta non perishable food items. The reverse food drive works like this. Selected food items are written on a slip of paper and parishioners would randomly choose which item we request they donate. This method would bring in an even amount of different canned meats, vegetables, and fruit. For example, the slips of paper would list tuna, corn, chili, peanut butter..etc. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was started in 1833 in Paris, France by Frederic Ozanam. As a student at the School of Law at the Sorbonne, University of Paris, Ozanam was part of a group that met on Saturdays to discuss various topics, except politics. During one particular meeting, he and his other fellow Catholics were questioned about what good the Catholic Church is doing in the community now. This inspired Ozanam to create the “Conference of Charity” to assist the poor. Later, the name was changed to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in honor of their patron saint. The group wanted to show their faith by caring for those in need while deepening their love for God. The mission of the Society inspired others across the world to join the organization. Today, there are over 800,000 members and the Society is present in five continents. The St. Joseph SSVdP Conference meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month in the St Joseph Social Room at 3 p,m. Membership is open to all.