TOLEDO—Raymond A. Patterson has been elected the Toledo District president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the northwest Ohio area.

An accountant, Mr. Patterson and his wife, Sharon, are members of Toledo St. Joan of Arc. He joined the society more than six years ago, and previously served as treasurer for the St. Joan of Arc Conference and for the District Council.

More than 1,000 members and volunteers from Catholic church conferences throughout the Toledo Diocese go about helping quietly, in a caring Christian manner, and they assisted 80,000 poor and needy in 2009.

The society relies on donations of cash and goods. At this time coats, warm clothing, shoes, socks and blankets are needed to meet the current high demand.

Anyone in need, with a voucher from a Catholic church or social service agency, can get items at no cost to them at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in downtown Toledo. The store is open to the public and many items can be purchased at low cost.

A special collection is held in many parishes each month. These cash donations and the sale of items at the thrift store keep the store operating and provides emergency funds to help the needy with rent, utilities, clothing and food.

To donate useable items and wearable clothing, call the store at 419-243-2243 for pick-up or to get a list of drop-off locations.