Remy Kocurek, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley, accepts a check from St. Michael's CWV Post 1562 Auxiliary members Marianne Heffernan (left) and Margaret Mattei. The Post conducted a food drive in November to support SVDP's efforts this holiday season.
DERBY – As the holiday season unfolds, St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley is seeing an outpouring of generosity from the local community. Among its supporters is St. Michael’s Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, which recently delivered much-needed contributions to help the organization continue its vital mission of aiding families in need.
“We are so grateful for the support of organizations like St. Michael’s,” said Remy Kocurek, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley. “This is a time of year when the need is particularly great, and their help ensures we can continue providing assistance to those who rely on us.”
Margaret Mattei, First Vice President of the Auxiliary, said Post 1562’s annual food drive in November generated a boost of food and cash donations earmarked for St. Vincent de Paul this year. Representatives from CWV Post1562 in Derby presented Kocurek with a check of the contributions collected during the food drive.
“The Catholic War Veterans mission extends to those in our community who need a helping hand. We’re glad to help. This is what the Post, and the spirit of Christmas, is all about,” Mattei said.
St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Remy Kocurek, along with a dedicated staff and volunteer group, keep the food pantry organized and stocked to serve families in need. The pantry serves Ansonia, Derby. Shelton, Seymour and Oxford residents.
A Growing Demand for Services
St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley, now in its 43rd year, operates out of its Roosevelt Drive location in Derby, where it has been based for the past 12 years. The nonprofit manages a thrift shop whose proceeds directly support its food pantry, which has seen a dramatic increase in demand.
Kocurek said the food pantry has experienced a 25% increase in residents seeking support this year, following a 22% increase the previous year. Rising food prices and stagnant Social Security payments have forced many families to seek assistance for the first time.
“There have always been people on the periphery of poverty, just getting by,” Kocurek said. “When prices go up, or they lose their job, or a natural disaster hits, they cross over into not being able to provide basic needs. We’ve had a lot of new applications, and some of those people are needing help for the very first time.”
Meeting the Need
To address the surge in demand, St. Vincent de Paul has expanded its team, adding volunteers and staff to keep up. Donations, whether monetary or in-kind, play a critical role in keeping the shelves stocked.
“When a monetary donation comes in, it’s immediately applied to replenish the items in the pantry that are running low,” Kocurek said. “I am always looking to stretch every dollar to get the most for the people we serve.”
In addition to nonperishable staples, the pantry also accepts perishable items like eggs and butter, which have become particularly expensive this year. As Christmas approaches, the organization is focusing on collecting hams for holiday meals.
A Community That Cares
The Valley community continues to show its generosity in myriad ways, from donating items to the thrift shop to organizing food drives or providing financial contributions.
“The gratitude we see is overwhelming,” Kocurek shared. “People hug us, they get emotional. I wish I could convey how deeply it impacts them to know their community cares.”
“Now a single mom can make dinner for her kids,” Kocurek added. “When your basic needs are met, you can focus on other issues. When you’re hungry or stressed about being hungry, you can’t do anything.”
St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley is open Monday through Saturday for those who wish to contribute. Donations of thrift items, food pantry supplies, or monetary gifts are all welcome as the organization strives to ensure every family can celebrate the season with dignity and hope.
For more information on how to help, visit St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley, 237 Roosevelt Drive in Derby. To join St. Michael’s CWV Post1562, visit https://www.cwv-post1562.org/.
