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“My tummy’s hungry” is what caught my attention. Those were the first words I heard from the little 4-year-old boy whose mom was asking our staff if she could possibly go through our SSVP Food Pantry. Tommy had apparently caught sight of the many food items in the pantry and was letting his mom, Madeline, know how hungry he was.
As usual, our pantry was extremely crowded. However, after getting Tommy a snack, I accompanied Madeline and her son on their visit, in order to learn how this family ended up here at the Society’s Food Pantry. I also found out why Tommy’s “tummy was hungry.” A couple of years after they were married, and while living in a neighboring state, Madeline came to realize that her husband had a terrible gambling addiction. Going to the casinos several nights a week, he would gamble away much of his paycheck. Almost always losing more than he won, her husband began taking cash advances on his credit cards. He’d come home from the casino irritable, always knowing – in his mind – that he was so close to hitting the jackpot. Not surprisingly, household finances were always tight. There was barely any money for food or clothes. Madeline and her husband had many fights about money, his addiction, and the effect it was having on Tommy and their relationship. In his twisted thinking, her husband actually began to blame and resent Madeline and Tommy for his gambling problem. Twice over the years Madeline had tried to leave her gambling-addicted husband. Both times, though, he pleaded with her not to. He would change, he told her. He would stop going to the casinos, he told her. Each time, Madeline learned the hard way that her husband wasn’t serious about giving up his addiction. Over time, their money problems grew worse. Her husband owed huge sums on his credit cards and had gotten behind on paying their rent. Grocery shopping had almost come to a standstill, as they had so little money and increasing debt. Madeline found herself in tears nearly every day. 
One Saturday in late January, Madeline had finally had enough. While he was away at a casino, she packed up Tommy, a few of their clothes, and some personal belongings and found their way to Omaha, renting a cheap, single-room apartment south of downtown. And, as they had no food to speak of and very little savings, a kind-hearted neighbor gave Madeline information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s nearby food pantry.
After hearing this little family’s heartbreaking story, I made sure that Madeline received enough food to last a good long while. I also had our staff work with Madeline, providing her with financial assistance to help her and Tommy find a more appropriate apartment for the two of them. Our drivers and some volunteers helped Madeline and Tommy move into their new place on a recent Saturday morning. In addition to providing this family with food and helping secure an apartment, we also provided Madeline with vouchers to our thrift stores, where she was able to obtain free clothes for her and Tommy, along with furniture and household items they needed. We continue to be in touch with Madeline to make sure she has plenty of food from our pantry – as well as the assurance of the sustained prayers of support from everyone here at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On your behalf, we are grateful to provide our critical services to this little family when they need them the most. I spoke with Madeline earlier this week, and she is so grateful for the “hand-up” they have received. Her appreciation really goes to you, friends of, and donors to the Society. Please know how thankful we are to you for helping the Society provide our life-giving services to so many hungry and struggling families who turn to us in crisis, like Madeline and Tommy. And, it should be comforting for you to know that your support is helping ensure that Tommy’s tummy is no longer “hungry.” |
Gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are used to care for the people who turn to us during their hour of need and are greatly appreciated. All of our services are provided at no cost. All gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our donor information is kept in strict confidence. Our donor lists are never rented, shared or exchanged with other organizations. The stories in our letters are real. Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and therapeutic interests of those we serve. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, or to include us in your estate planning, please contact Development Director, Tim Sully, at (402) 779-8499 or at [email protected].
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Executive Director
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha
