ATLANTA--The St. Vincent de Paul Societ is participating in a million dollar challenge from a Rhode Island philanthropist in an effort to fight hunger in the United States.

The unnamed man, reportedly a nationally known crusader against hunger, has set aside $1 million to match any donations over $25 sent to organizations that feed the hungry between Feb. 4 and 14, nationwide.

If more than $1 million are donated, then the million dollars will be divided equally among the qualified organizations.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society's Food for Five program is actively fighting hunger in the Atlanta area. The program began in 1981 with the idea that most people can afford to give $5 a month, the approximate cost of one person's meal. Today, the Food for Five program has over 120 supporters who consistently give between $5 and $50 a month.

The money gathered from the program provides meals for the St. Vincent de Paul shelter in Doraville, the soup kitchen at St. Anthony of Padua Church and the St. Francis Table, the food program at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Food for Five also provides food to those in need through the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is encouraging community members to donate during this 10 day period so that the donations might be matched by the Rhode Island man.

For information about donations, call Nancy Sestak at (404) 874-0213.