Kathy Van Veen, Trustee for the Van Veen Charitable Trust, has made a major gift in support of the St. Vincent de Paul’s Mobile Kitchen, honoring her parents, Ted and Fran Van Veen.  Fran and Ted were married on July 22, 1940 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Portland.

“Having grown up during the Great Depression, my parents believed in helping those in need. They donated funds, clothing and household items for needy families.  To fulfill my parents request to donate to St. Vincent de Paul, I elected to support the Mobile Kitchen”, said Kathy Van Veen.

Three years ago, the St. Vincent de Paul Society purchased a used school bus and transformed it into a café on wheels.  The Mobile Kitchen is fully licensed, allowing it to serve hot and cold foods.  Currently, the Mobile Kitchen operates three days per week, largely in rural Clackamas County.

Last year, the Mobile Kitchen served more than 18,000 free community meals, which represents a 14% increase over 2010.  The Mobile Kitchen also assists in SVdP’s successful Food for Kids Program, a supplemental food program for low and no-income children ages three to 18.  More than 1,400 food packages are distributed each month, utilizing our Mobile Kitchen.  The Mobile Kitchen is fully equipped for emergency disaster relief.

“We are very grateful for the generosity and kindness that Kathy and her parents have demonstrated for our work to reduce hunger, prevent homelessness and keep families safe and warm.  This donation assists us in attaining our goal of serving free meals five days a week.  With this generous gift, we will be able to add a second driver for the Mobile Kitchen and purchase more food to be served on board,” said Anna Plaster, Executive Director