/PRNewswire/ - The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) in Atlanta, Ga. was recognized by CITGO and S.A. White, a Marietta-based CITGO Marketer, as a Summer 2011 winner in the CITGO Fueling Good program. For its ongoing commitment to improving and enhancing the quality of life for families in need, SVdP was awarded $5,000 in CITGO gift cards to help extend its ripple of good and the impact of its work.

“With the challenges faced by so many during the current economic climate, the services of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are needed more than ever before. Thanks to the generosity of S.A. White and CITGO, we can continue to help those in need,” said John A. Berry, CEO and executive director of SVdP Atlanta. “The Fueling Good award will allow us to increase the reach of our perishable food distribution program and provide aid to more people throughout Georgia.”  

Founded in 1903, SVdP Atlanta provides poverty relief services that address immediate needs and teaches people ways to become more self-sufficient. The organization aids those in need through several local and nationally run programs, including direct aid, education, family support centers, food pantries, temporary housing, thrift stores and the national car donation program. With more than 2,000 members, SVdP Atlanta donates more than 320,000 hours of service and $8.8 million in financial aid to more than 189,000 Georgians annually.  

“We are honored to support SVdP Atlanta and the wide range of programs it provides to people across Georgia,” said Marvin Akin, vice president for S.A. White. “The organization’s dedication to preparing individuals with the necessary tools to move beyond their current status and achieve independence is inspirational for us all.”   

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of 12 CITGO Summer Fueling Good campaign winners selected from more than 1,100 charities through a nationwide online vote. More than 100,000 votes were cast to help identify the latest winners in one of four categories: Environmental Protection and Restoration; Education and Social Investment; Energy Assistance and Conservation; and Health and Well-being.

The principles of Fueling Good can be seen in all aspects of the CITGO brand and are aligned with the social development principles of the CITGO shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. 

Voting for the Fall 2011 Fueling Good program comes to a close on Oct. 27 and the next 12 winners will be announced in November. Registration for the Winter program begins Dec. 1 and all 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations based in the 26 states and District of Columbia in which CITGO operates are invited to submit an entry at www.FuelingGood.com.

For regular updates and to join the conversation, “Like” CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.  

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information visit www.CITGO.com.