We know that over the winter months, closets and basements shrink – leaving you with too much stuff, stuff that St. Vincent de Paul can turn into life-changing assistance – like food, a home, prescription medicine and help with basic needs.

What happens to your donation of goods? Donations go to our Processing Center where they are examined and sorted. Clothing, furniture, jewelry, household items, recreational items and toys, books, holiday decorations, art and music are all reviewed for condition and pricing, then packed up to be sent to one of our seven Dane County stores. Each store has a selection of goods that makes for an interesting and full shopping experience.

How does your donation help a neighbor in need? The reasonable prices and big selection at St. Vinny’s stores attract people of all income levels to shop for all kinds of things – necessities and treats. While some people shop for treasures or just a good deal, many families shop at St. Vinny’s because it’s a cost-effective way to clothe a growing family, furnish a “starter” home, or celebrate a holiday on a low or moderate budget. And, all those items sold help support the programs that St. Vincent de Paul provides: housing for men, and housing for women and children, the free pharmacy and the food pantry, as well as the home visitor program that provides store vouchers for household basics. Each year, St. Vincent de Paul volunteers meet with thousands of families or individuals who are settng up a household, but have little or nothing to sleep on, sit on or eat with. These home visitors meet with the families to discuss their needs and provide vouchers to shop at St. Vinny’s stores for essentials like clothing, new air beds or portable cribs, basic furniture and kitchenware. Your donated goods help individuals and families start over on their road to success and stability, and help them to know that they are loved by God and our St. Vincent de Paul community, and all of us.

How to get your “extras” to St. Vinny’s. All seven stores in Dane County accept your donations and help you unload during business hours. The Sun Prairie, Odana Road and Stoughton St. Vinny’s have drivethrough bays and the other stores have drop-off docks. All stores have bins in the entryways to drop off small items before you shop, and drop boxes are located around the community. St. Vinny’s also supports community garage sales with special collection sites during the event.

Arrange a convenient home pick-up. But when it’s too big to handle or there’s a lot to donate, call 608-278-2920 to make an appointment for home pick-up. Or, arrange a pick-up online at svdpmadison.org/donate/goods.

By God’s grace, help your budget, help your planet, help your neighbor in need.