“We visit neighbors in their homes to listen, assess needs, pray and offer assistance, which totaled more than $10 million last year,” said Jack Bedell, SVDP executive director. “We also participate in outreach ministries for people who are unhoused by providing warm blankets to complement their food, toiletries and clothing.”

Blanket Sunday is the organization’s largest fundraiser. The program began in 1987 with blankets being donated at local parishes and handed out to neighbors in need. But as a local single mother of three recently learned, the program goes way beyond blankets. The grateful mom, who does not want to be identified, has children ages 2, 8 and 11. She recently moved from a downtown Cleveland apartment to a house in an adjacent suburb. Initially in the new place, no one in the family had a bed, so they would sleep on the floor or take turns on the couch. When the mother called SVDP for assistance, she was surprised at the quick response. And volunteers arrived with even more than expected. In addition to mattresses, the family received bed frames, sheets, blankets, pillows and books for the children.

“I feel good that we can sleep in a comfortable bed. With my kids back in school, they can go to sleep, you know, comfortably. With winter coming up, they can sleep in a warm bed,” the mother said. “There are plenty of blankets and pillows for all of us. It means everything to me. God works in good ways. You all did really good,” she added.

“This is the mission of SVDP. We often get calls for a specific need and end up giving so much more,” Jack said. “We like to end home visits with a prayer and some, just like this one, even with a hug.”