The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County (PLYMC) and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council, Inc. are partnering to support ongoing food collection efforts across Mahoning County. Community members may drop off non-perishable food items at any PLYMC branch, with all donations delivered directly to St. Vincent de Paul’s Dining Hall, Food Pantry, and other community outreach programs that provide food assistance.
Anne Kravitz, Board President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council, said the organization is grateful for the Library’s help during a challenging time. “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Mahoning District Council is grateful for the continued support of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County as we work to meet the needs of families across the Valley. Library branches are collecting food donations on our behalf, and every item will go toward the meals we serve at our Dining Hall, our Food Pantry, and our outreach programs. While the recent fire outside our Thrift Store & Donation Center in Boardman impacts our ability to multiply the community’s generosity, our mission to serve those in need remains unchanged. We are deeply thankful for the Valley’s support—both for our organization and for one another, beginning with the most vulnerable among us.”
Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director & CEO, said the Library is proud to serve as a community partner and collection site. “PLYMC is proud to support St. Vincent de Paul’s work by offering food donation collection at library branches. Our libraries serve as trusted community spaces, and this partnership allows residents to help their neighbors easily and meaningfully throughout the holiday season and beyond. We encourage anyone who is able to stop by a branch and contribute to this important effort.”
MEDIA INVITATION
Members of the press are invited to attend a holiday-season food drop-off event featuring representatives from both organizations.
WHAT: Holiday Food Drop-Off / Media Availability
WHEN: December 18th at 1:30 PM
WHERE: The Food Pantry at 317 Via Mount Carmel in Youngstown
WHO:
- Anne Kravitz — Board President, SVDP and Alan Ricks, Executive Vice President
- Aimee Fifarek — Director & CEO, PLYMC
- Staff and volunteers from both organizations
HOW TO DONATE
Non-perishable food donations may be made at any PLYMC branch during regular business hours.
Food donations may also be dropped off directly at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at Via Mount Carmel in Youngstown during its normal distribution hours.
Suggested items include Crackers, Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Pork and Beans.
All donations support St. Vincent de Paul’s programs serving families in need across the Mahoning Valley.
Both organizations welcome monetary donations to support their overall work. To donate to SVDP, go to www.SVdPMahoning.org/donate. Do donate to the work of PLYMC go to https://www.libraryvisit.org/giving/.
In addition to its partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, PLYMC branches support a wide range of food banks, church-based pantries, and community relief organizations across the Mahoning Valley by collecting and delivering food donations. These efforts help connect families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity with essential resources close to home. PLYMC remains committed to strengthening these community networks and supporting residents in need year-round.
ABOUT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Vincent de Paul serves up to 1,500 hot meals weekly at its Dining Hall on Williamson Avenue and distributes 200 food boxes each week from its Food Pantry on Via Mount Carmel. The Thrift Store & Donation Center in Boardman supports the mission by providing gently used items for resale and direct assistance to local families. Learn more at www.SVdPmahoning.org or
call 330-333-3601.
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) and check www.libraryvisit.org for updates.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 14 branches across Mahoning County, including Main Library in downtown Youngstown, PLYMC is well known for its signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. PLYMC serves our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.