General Questions

• What is St. Vincent de Paul and what is your mission?

St. Vincent de Paul is a faith-based charitable organization dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing hardship. Rooted in the Catholic tradition of compassion and service, our mission is to offer hope, help, and dignity to those in need through person-to-person assistance. With the support of volunteers and community partners, we provide essential resources—such as food, clothing, housing assistance, and emotional support—while fostering a spirit of love, respect, and solidarity with every neighbor we serve.

• How does SVdP serve people in the community?

St. Vincent de Paul serves the community through compassionate, person-to-person support for individuals and families facing hardship. Our volunteers provide practical assistance such as food, clothing, household items, rental and utility help, and emergency aid to those in need. We also offer emotional and spiritual support, walking alongside our neighbors with respect and dignity. By partnering with local organizations, operating thrift stores, and mobilizing volunteers, SVdP strengthens families, promotes stability, and helps create a more caring, connected community.

• Who can receive assistance from St. Vincent de Paul?

Anyone in Washington County WI experiencing hardship can request help from St. Vincent de Paul. Our services are available to individuals and families regardless of background, faith, or circumstance. We focus on meeting people where they are—offering support with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. Whether someone is facing a temporary crisis or ongoing challenges, SVdP is here to provide assistance and connect them with resources that promote stability and hope.

Getting Help

• How do I request assistance?

To request assistance from SVDPWC, simply visit our website and fill out the assistance request form. After you reach out, a volunteer will follow up—often by phone or a home visit—to learn more about your situation and determine how we can best support you. All requests are handled with compassion, confidentiality, and respect. If your chapter has online forms, office hours, or a specific phone number, I can customize the wording to match.

• What types of support are available (food, rent, utilities, clothing, etc.)?

St. Vincent de Paul offers a variety of assistance to help individuals and families facing hardship. Depending on your local conference, support may include food boxes or pantry access, help with rent or utilities, clothing and household essentials, furniture, transportation assistance, and referrals to additional community resources. Our volunteers work closely with each person to understand their needs and provide compassionate, personalized support whenever possible.



• How long does it take to receive help after contacting SVdPWC?

Response times can vary by location, but most St. Vincent de Paul conferences aim to contact individuals within a few days of receiving a request. A volunteer will reach out—usually by phone—to learn more about your situation and determine the best way to assist. Every request is handled as quickly as possible, with urgency given to families facing immediate needs.

Donations

• What items can I donate?

St. Vincent de Paul accepts a wide range of gently used items that can help support neighbors in need. Commonly accepted donations include clothing, shoes, household goods, small appliances, furniture, kitchen items, linens, and décor. All donated items should be clean, usable, and in good condition. Because donation guidelines can vary by location, we encourage donors to check with their local SVdP for any specific needs or restrictions.

• Where can I drop off donations?

Donations can be dropped off at your local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store or designated donation center. Each location has specific hours and guidelines, so we recommend checking with your nearest store or conference for the most convenient drop-off times. Your generous contributions help support our programs and assist neighbors in need.

• Are my donations tax-deductible?

Yes! Donations to St. Vincent de Paul are generally tax-deductible as allowed by law. When you donate items or make a monetary contribution, you can request a receipt for your records. We recommend keeping this documentation for tax purposes. Please consult with your tax advisor if you have specific questions about your situation.

• Do you offer donation receipts?

Yes — St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores do typically offer donation receipts. Important note: You, as the donor, are responsible for assigning a fair market value to your donated items.

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Financial Support

• How do I make a monetary donation?

You can make a monetary donation to St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County in several simple ways. You may visit our website and use the “Donate” button found on our Donations page, which allows you to give securely online. If you prefer to donate by mail, you can send a check to our Slinger location at 445 E. Washington Street, Slinger, WI 53086.

We also accept vehicle donations, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These donations are processed through our national partner, and you can start that process by visiting svdpusacars.com or by calling 800-322-8284.

• Can I set up monthly giving?

Yes, you can set up monthly giving through our St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County website. When you visit our Donations page and click the “Make a Financial Donation” button, you will find an option that allows you to choose a recurring monthly gift. This option lets you support our mission automatically each month in whatever amount you prefer.

• How is my donation used?

Your donation is used directly to support the mission and services we provide through our St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County store. When you give, your contribution helps people in our local community in several important ways.

Your donation allows us to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families who are struggling. This assistance may include help with rent, utilities, food, transportation, or other essential needs. We also use donated funds to provide vouchers so that people in crisis can receive clothing, furniture, and household items from our stores at no cost.

Your gift also supports the operations of our four thrift stores, which play a vital role in funding our outreach programs. These stores help us maintain a steady source of income that we can put back into the community through our charitable services.

In addition, your donation helps us offer compassion, dignity, and hope to people who are facing financial hardship by supporting our volunteer programs, client services, and community outreach efforts.

Thrift Stores

• What are your store hours and locations?

Check out our locations and hours here. Locations and hours

• What items do you sell?

It depends a little which SVDPWC store you visit, but generally SVDPWC thrift stores sell a wide variety of used (and some new) items, including:

• Clothing (men’s, women’s, children’s) 
• Shoes & accessories (purses, hats, scarves, etc.)
• Housewares (plates, dishes, glassware, kitchen items) 
• Home decor (linens, artwork, knick-knacks) 
• Furniture (tables, chairs, couches, dressers) 
• Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender, etc.) 
• Books, games, toys  
• Sporting goods 
• Linens, bedding, and towels 
• Electronics (though some restrictions apply for what they accept)

• How do SVDPWC thrift store sales support your mission?

Thrift store sales support the mission of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) in several important ways. First, the revenue from the stores is used to fund direct assistance programs that help individuals and families in need. This financial support allows SVDP to provide aid for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and medical needs.

Thrift store income also makes it possible for SVDP to offer free goods through a voucher system. When someone is experiencing a crisis, they may receive a voucher that allows them to obtain clothing, furniture, household items, or other essentials at no cost.

Additionally, the money earned from thrift store sales supports a variety of community outreach efforts. These may include food pantries, homeless outreach, home visit programs, and other services that directly assist people facing hardship.

Finally, thrift stores contribute to environmental sustainability by keeping usable items out of landfills and promoting the reuse of donated goods.

Volunteering

• How can I become a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul?

You can become a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County by beginning with our volunteer information page on our website. The page explains the different ways you can help and provides an overview of our volunteer program.

After reviewing the available opportunities, you can decide which type of volunteer work interests you. St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County offers roles such as helping customers shop, stocking or cleaning in the stores, and processing donated goods. These roles support the daily operations of our locations and contribute directly to our mission.

Once you have an idea of how you would like to help, you can apply at SVDPWC Jobs.

If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit any of our four store locations. These locations include Hartford, Slinger, West Bend, and Jackson. Staff at any of these stores can provide the necessary forms and answer questions about volunteer opportunities.

After you speak with the Volunteer Director or store staff, you will work together to choose a volunteer schedule that fits your availability. Once your schedule is set, you can begin volunteering in the role you selected. Your service will support the organization’s efforts to help individuals and families in need throughout Washington County.

• What roles are available for volunteers?

St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County offers several volunteer roles that support the daily operations of our stores. Volunteers can help customers while they shop by answering questions, offering assistance, and creating a welcoming environment. Volunteers may also stock shelves and organize merchandise to ensure that the store remains clean and easy for customers to navigate.

Another role involves cleaning various areas of the store or storage spaces to help maintain a safe and orderly environment. Volunteers can also assist by processing donated goods, which includes sorting items, pricing them, and preparing them for placement on the sales floor. These tasks help keep the store running smoothly and allow St. Vincent de Paul to continue serving the community effectively.

• Do I need training or experience to volunteer?

You do not need prior training or experience to volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County. Our organization welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, including individuals who are completely new to this type of work.

When you sign up, the Volunteer Director will help you choose a role that matches your skills, interests, and schedule. Any training you need will be provided on the job, and staff members will show you how to complete tasks such as sorting donations, stocking merchandise, or assisting customers. This approach allows volunteers to learn as they go while receiving support from experienced team members.

Partnerships

• How can my business or organization partner with SVdP?

Your business or organization can partner with our St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County in several meaningful ways. One option is to provide financial sponsorship, which helps us offer assistance to individuals and families who are struggling with essential needs such as rent, utilities, food, and clothing.

Your organization may also choose to donate goods or surplus inventory. These in-kind contributions help stock our thrift stores and directly support the programs we offer to the community. In addition, your business can participate in employee giving or matching programs, which encourage staff members to donate or volunteer while the company enhances their contributions through financial matches or paid volunteer time.

Another way to partner with us is by organizing a group volunteer day. Corporate service events allow teams to work together in our stores by sorting donations, stocking merchandise, or assisting with other tasks that support our mission. Your business can also partner with us by sponsoring events or community outreach programs, which strengthens our ability to serve and increases your organization’s visibility within the community.

To begin a partnership, your business or organization can contact us by emailing our GM at GM@svdpwc.com. When you reach out, you can describe the type of partnership you are interested in, and we will connect you with the appropriate team member to explore the opportunities in more detail.

About the Organization

• How is SVdP funded?

Our primary source of funding comes from sales in our thrift stores. When community members donate goods and shop with us, the revenue generated supports our assistance programs, including help with rent, utilities, food, clothing, and household items.

We also receive funding through monetary donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners. These gifts may be one-time contributions or recurring monthly donations, and they directly support the services we provide.

In addition, we are funded through grants and special partnerships that support specific projects or community needs. From time to time, we receive support from foundations, local organizations, or charitable programs that align with our mission.

Finally, we benefit from in-kind donations, such as furniture, clothing, and household items. While these goods primarily support our stores, they also allow us to provide free vouchers to people in crisis so they can shop for what they need at no cost.

All of these funding sources work together to ensure that we can continue helping our neighbors throughout Washington County. If you would like a breakdown of how funds were used in the most recent year, I can provide that as well.

• Are you part of a national organization?

Yes, our St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County is part of a national organization. We belong to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, which is a nationwide network of local conferences and councils that work together to serve people in need.

Although we are connected to the national organization, our conference and our stores operate locally. This means that the decisions we make, the assistance we provide, and the funds we raise all stay within Washington County to help our own community. The national office offers guidance, support, training, and shared resources, but each local conference—including ours—remains responsible for serving its own neighbors in need.



• How can I contact my local conference?

You can contact your local conference through any of our St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County locations. Each conference is connected to one of our store communities, and you are welcome to reach out to whichever one serves your area.

You may contact the Hartford conference by calling 262-673-6980.

You may contact the Slinger conference by calling 262-644-4949.

You may contact the West Bend conference by calling 262-334-7291.

You may contact the Jackson conference by calling 262-357-6507.

If you are unsure which conference serves your location, you can also email us at slinger@svdpwc.com, and we will direct you to the correct conference.