, Author at St. Ann Conference, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

May 9, 2026 US Post Office Food Drive in Haines City

On Saturday May 9, 2026, the US Post Office in Haines City will be collecting food that will benefit the St. Ann Food Pantry through its 33rd annual ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive. This is the largest one-day food drive in the country, where postal carriers collect non-perishable food donations to support local food pantries.

This food drive is held every year, the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

How to participate:

What: Fill a sturdy bag with non-perishable food items (canned goods, rice, pasta, peanut butter, etc.).
Where: Place the bag near your mailbox before your normal mail delivery time.
Who: Your local letter carrier will pick up the donations during their route.

No special bag is required; any bag works, though they often deliver special bags in advance.

If you do not have a traditional mailbox, you can bring donations to your local Haines City post office located at 1051 State Road 544 E, Haines City, FL 33844.

You can learn more at https://about.usps.com/what/corporate-social-responsibility/activities/nalc-food-drive.htm

2025 Fall Western District Retreat

The Western District of the Orlando Diocesan Council of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul held its fall retreat at St. Joseph Offices in Winter Haven, Florida on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The retreat drew participants from St. Ann Conference of Haines City; St. Matthew and St. Joseph Conferences of Winter Haven; and St. Anthony and St. Teresa of Calcutta of Lakeland.

Deacon Steve Ramos led the English session and Lydia de Jesús led the Spanish session. The retreat began at 9:00 am and finished at 2:00 pm.

2025 Annual Commitment Mass

The St. Ann Conference held its annual commitment ceremony for Vincentian members at the 9:00 am Mass on Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. Ann Parish in Haines City, Florida.

Fr. David Vargas commended the work of the Conference to help neighbors in need in the local area. The commitment ceremony was held after the Gospel reading at Mass. Members celebrated with each other in a continental breakfast after Mass was over.