More than a thrift store
When we say we are more than a thrift store, what exactly do we mean? Is it because we carry a wide selection of furniture and appliances to meet every budget? Is it because we are also the largest used book seller in Lane County? Or because we operate a used car lot that spins new good from old wheels?
All these things are true and yet they are not the whole story. St. Vinnie’s is more than just a thrift store not because of what we sell, but because of what we give away. So far this year, St. Vinnie’s has provided $528,864.
worth of goods from our stores to those in need. That is an average of $30,000 worth of goods every single month. These goods include much-needed items like furniture, clothes, and household items We can do this thanks to our voucher program through St. Vincent de Paul’s Lindholm Social Service Office. Community members in need can contact our Lindholm office staff to apply for an in-store voucher. Lindholm works with a network of local churches who connect with the community members and award vouchers based on an assessment of need determined during a home visit.
History of Service
This in part, honors the original vision of St. Vincent de Paul stores and mirrors how we have operated in the community since we first began out outreach programs in 1953. Before we grew to be one of the largest nonprofits that could serve thousands statewide, we were a humble salvage bureau offering free and low-cost items to those in need. The voucher program continues that mission.
Vouchers are awarded in the form of reusable gift cards, which serve two purposes. First, a gift card that can be reloaded is more environmentally friendly and in line with SVdP’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Second, clients shopping with gift cards can purchase their needed items with the same dignity that every other St. Vinnie’s customer enjoys while paying at the register. 
Many of the residents in our affordable-housing properties, and clients across our other programs, already know the benefits of the voucher program. But many do not realize this program is accessible to anyone in need.
The voucher program is just one of the many ways that St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County stays in line with the original vision of SVdP organizations. While donations and purchases in our stores help us to fund our human-services programs and pay our retail staff a living wage, the voucher program helps us to directly assist those who may not normally be able to shop for what they need.
We wouldn’t be able to give so much back to the community without the support of our community. It is purchases and donations from our supporters who make the difference for those who have less.
Ways to Support
If you would like to help support SVdP in its mission of doing more for the community, there are a variety of ways you can.
Donate unwanted items. Our donation centers are open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also offer free donation pickup in the Eugene-Springfield area: Donate Items
Shop our stores. We have 13 retail locations across Oregon, and more on the way. Your purchases directly impact the lives of those in need. You can find a full list of our store locations here: Find a Store
Make a monetary gift. Your direct financial donations give us the flexibility to respond where the need is greatest. If you would like to donate during this time of love and charity, please click here: Make a Gift