SVdP donates TV to men's shelter

The St. Bernard Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul recently donated a 60-inch high definition television to Port St. Vincent, a program for men who need transitional, supportive or emergency housing in Madison.
     The conference partnered with Sam's Club to purchase the television.
     The old television was on its last legs, said Tom Thompson, a port staff member. “Now the guys can watch their sporting events and actually see what’s going on!”
    In addition to the television, Sam’s included a wall mount and about 30 hooded sweatshirts for port residents.
     "These guys have become our friends," said Connie Bickler of the St. Bernard conference. "This mission is important to us. We look forward to it every month."
     Conference members have celebrated birthdays with cake, ice cream, balloons and cards for residents at the port each month for the last three years.
     "They are a generous group of people," said Tom Olle, a resident at the port.
     Thompson said the St. Bernard group provides “wonderful” support to the shelter throughout the year. “They help a lot, especially when these guys don’t have much … and they are struggling along.”
     In addition to housing, the port supplies meals, clothing and 24-hour staffing.
     The program also helps residents work toward goals for their appropriate next steps in life, according to their website.
     Go to our photo albums to see more photos from this event.