I have this fantasy where I become a minimalist, purge all my clutter and enjoy the ease of maintaining a simple home.  Yet, every time I start the process, I end up just finding ways to organize and fit more stuff into drawers and cabinets, because, you know, I might need that hula hoop one day!

I excuse my hoarding primarily on two accounts.  First, I don’t like to be wasteful, so if I am going to get rid of something I need to make sure I do it in the most purposeful way possible.  This takes time and energy.  Second, I’m a creator, I can make anything out of anything, and therefore my craft supply storage is bursting at the seams. 

There is a quote I frequently try to remind myself of.

Look around.  All that clutter used to be money.  All that money used to be time.

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I know the best way to declutter is to not buy and accumulate in the first place, still practicing self control at HomeGoods is easier said than done!    

My favorite place to donate goods to is through St. Vincent de Paul.  I just feel that they probably do a better job in serving our neighbors than other organizations do.  So much in fact that I constantly check the bulletin so I can mark my calendar once a drive is announced.  Then I start keeping an eye out for items in my house I can part with and load up boxes.  Still, this is actually a very stressful process for me in parting with my things and playing the “I might need that” game.  What I find interesting though, is that if I knew of someone personally who was in need, I would have no problem sharing my possessions with them, yet somehow me not knowing who it will go to makes the process harder.  Perhaps I just need to pray that each item finds its way to the person who needs it the most.    

I also wanted to learn more about the organization and its patron. 

St. Vincent de Paul (c. 1580-1660) is the patron saint of charitable groups.  In short, he began as a minister to galley slaves before forming the Congregation of the Mission (now known as the Vincentians) which focused on missionary work among the peasants.  St. Vincent de Paul worked to establish new seminaries, improve priest formation, and offer relief to war victims abroad.  He devoted his life to alleviate human suffering.    

Delaney, John.  Dictionary of Saints.  New York, Doubleday, 1980. (p. 576)    

What stands out about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, is the person-to-person service offered to those in need.  They offer a wide range of services which are personally tailored to the individual in a way that helps maintain their dignity.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  About Us, 2023,    ssvpusa.org/about-us/.  Accessed 11 March, 2023. 

I am hoping with my newfound knowledge I can work towards reducing my hoarding tendencies.    Perhaps St. Vincent de Paul himself can lead me towards what to donate.  Therefore, I will close with this prayer.       

“God, You gave St, Vincent de Paul apostolic virtues for the salvation of the poor and the formation of the clergy.  Grant that, endowed with the same spirit, we may love what he loved and act according to his teaching.  Amen.” 

Hoever, Hugo.  Lives of the Saints.  New York, Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1977. (395)