The St. Vincent De Paul Society’s Store at 444 Edgewood Ave., NE, had more than 11,100 sales last year, but took in less than $20,000.

Joseph B. Flanagan, executive secretary, said in a letter to society members, “It should be apparent then that we are serving people who have very little to spend, but through repeated purchases bought from our store for many of the essential things they need.”

Clothing also was sent to various poor communities in the city for rummage sales sold to Central State Hospital in Milledgeville. Free clothing valued at $5,100 was given to individuals.

More than $400 was spent on meals for transients.

Although the society can take pride in its evidence of concern, Flanagan said, “It is evident to me, however, that many of the pastors and the parishioners of our metropolitan churches are not aware of the store operation and its value to the poor.

“If Catholics supported this operation as the Good Will Stores and the Salvation Army Thrift Stores are supported, we could do so much more good.”

Flanagan said more than 2,300 calls were referred by the society’s central office to the society conference where the needy person lived.

The executive secretary said society conferences are needed especially in suburban parishes where there seem to be no poor. “One of the benefits of having a conference in a parish is to provide an outlet for concerned Christians to give evidence of their concern,” he added.

Msgr. Michael J. Regan, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, encouraged the formation of a conference in the parish and 35 persons evidenced interest in becoming involved in the society’s works in some way, Flanagan said.