Susan Anderson says her story is not much different from other members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). Four years ago she joined as a volunteer as a response to a question she asked herself—”Where is my faith visible in the way I live and serve others?”
Now, she’s the Sioux Falls Vincentian services director and continues to live in service to others, especially those in need.
“When I joined the Society four years ago, my only regret was that I did not join sooner,” said Anderson. “Becoming a Vincentian with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul helped fill my restless heart, for it is truly in giving that we receive.”
SVdP offers various services, fueled by the thrift store revenue and donations. Weekly home visits help offset homelessness, while aiding in financial emergency situations, like unexpected medical bills, rent shortfalls, or shut-off notices.
The SVdP Holy Innocents Ministry provides diapers, wipes, and formula for children and families in need, distributed out of both thrift stores.
“With the varied strengths and resources each of us brings, by collaborating fully and supporting one another, we can achieve far more together than any of us could alone,” added Anderson.
Anderson says a donated couch or winter coat may ultimately be what keeps a child from sleeping in a car.
Find out more about Anderson and the role SVdP plays within the communities it serves.
WHAT SPECIFICALLY HAPPENS TO DONATIONS?
When you donate clothing, furniture, or household items, those goods are sorted, priced, and placed on the sales floor by dedicated staff and volunteers. They go directly into the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s eight conferences which are in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. Those funds fuel weekly home visits and support Holy Innocents Ministry, our diaper ministry serving families with young children.
Roughly 1,467 individuals and families received support and hope, and 2,981 neighbors received free diapers and baby wipes.
WHAT HAPPENS TO UNUSED ITEMS?
Every donation supports our mission to bring hope to those in need. Items that are not sold on our retail floor are responsibly redirected to a recycling partner, where up to 98% of the materials are processed and repurposed.
WHAT DO THE HOME VISITS ENTAIL?
The heart of the Society’s work is the home visit. Trained volunteers— Vincentians—meet neighbors where they are, listen to their stories, and offer tangible assistance along with compassionate support. These visits are not transactions; they are encounters rooted in dignity and respect.
WHAT ELSE DO THE SVDP THRIFT STORES PROVIDE?
Our stores are also part of the mission in another important way: they provide employment opportunities, including for individuals with little or no work experience. At SVdP, people come before profit. Workers have the right to safe conditions, reasonable hours, and respect. By modeling ethical employment practices and providing opportunities for those in need, our thrift stores become places of growth, stability, and renewed confidence.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT SVDPSD.COM+
