Bill and Cathy Griffin, Bellevue residents and members of St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Parish, received the St. Vincent de Paul “Least of My Brethren” Award for outstanding service to the needy in Bellevue at the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Seattle/King Co. Council’s Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, March 21.

The event, held at Kennedy High School in Burien, celebrated the Society’s 90th anniversary of serving the poor and needy in Seattle/King County — and the special people who make home visits and run programs to assist neighbors in need.

For the past 37 years the Griffins have served the poor as members of St. Madeleine Sophie St. Vincent de Paul. They have made home visits to help to neighbors in need preventing eviction, hunger, utility shut-off and more. In addition, they have also acted as conference treasurer for many of those years, helping to ensure that the bills are paid and resources are available to help the St. Vincent de Paul outreach based at the parish.

Additionally, during the Christmas season they coordinate the adoption of a number of needy families served by parishioners of St. Madeleine Sophie Parish. In doing this, they spend much of Christmas eve day helping to deliver gifts, food, and other items to these families.

In 2009 they received the Volunteer of the Year Award at their parish.

St. Vincent de Paul is known for its home visits to the poor, community thrift stores, and food and meal programs which provide more than 1 million meals annually.