Donations, declutter, reorganize.  We all do it.  We all need to do it.  The biggest decision after what to keep is where to donate.  How are my items used?  Am I truly helping someone, or just padding someone’s pocket?  How do those donations help?

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago was the first charitable organization in the Chicagoland area.  Since 1857, we have stayed true to our mission: Helping Those in Need.  We build better tomorrows for those in need in our community.  But we do not do it alone.  It is your support through donating, volunteering, and financial means that make a difference every day in our communities.

So, what about those donations?  Used clothing, household goods, furniture no longer needed, old craft supplies, new items that were never worn, gifts we could not use but forgot to return.  They make a difference every day!

Our thrift stores serve as the destination for receiving, processing, and selling those donations.  Our prices are low so that those looking to find quality goods on a tight budget can be provided for.  Those that are struggling and have come to us for help, when qualified receive a voucher to shop our stores at no cost, with dignity and respect.  We do not group items as other thrift stores do.  All items are available to all that need, every day!

We provide jobs and skill training, giving those who need the opportunity the most possibilities of a better tomorrow.

We work with local organizations to help provide needed items, blankets to PADS, baby items for mothers in need.  Blankets and towels not suitable for use can find a home at a local animal shelter.

At the end of the day after the light bill is paid, proceeds from our store are used to support our programs of helping those in need.  Whether it is assisting a family with utility bills, medical bills, rent, or helping a homeless family have a place to sleep, the Society is there!  With over 33 food pantries, community dinners and food trucks, we fulfill the need.

DO we have a specific cause?  Yes!  Helping someone in need, offering hope and support.  Veterans, single mothers, those with medical conditions, those struggling in general.  We not only help those who come to us, we seek out those in need.  With over 1,300 volunteer members, efforts are put forth 24 hours a day.

So, when you choose us for your donations, you are changing the lives of your neighbors in need.  You are providing food, clothing, shelter, job training, and hope of better tomorrows.  You are helping a veteran in need, a mother who has hungry children, a victim of domestic violence, someone ill who needs assistance to get proper medical treatment, someone who is lonely and dealing with mental health issues, and families who have experienced bumps in the road.

YOU are the difference that is building better tomorrows for those in need in our community.

During these unprecedented times, the increased number of those in need is growing by leaps and bounds.  Normally serving 88,000 families a year, we expect that number can be double by the end of the year.

Clothing and household donations are accepted at our thrift stores during store hours.

For over 167 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago has been helping those in need in our community.  It is because of your continued  support that we sustain to help those in need.  Serving over 88,000 families a year, we couldn’t do it without you!