Who We Are
The SVDP Thrift Store was established with the mission of serving people in need. Proceeds from the Thrift Store serve as the primary source of funds for the Outreach and its many programs. in addition to the food Pantry , the Outreach provides a range of services including Medical Clinic Services, Medicine, Emergency Melas, Rent Assistance, and more. Every member of our staff plays a vital role in the society’s efforts to assist those in need in a spirit of Christian compassion. We are committed to serving all individuals without regard for age, sex, race, or religious beliefs.
What We Do
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a catholic lay organization, invites women and men to come together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those in need and suffering, following the tradition of its founder, Frederic Ozanam, and patron, Vincent de Paul. Reflecting the diversity of the family of God, Members (known as Vincentians) come from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united globally in a spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing. Nourished by prayer, reflection, and mutual support. Following a basic rule, Vincentians organize locally to witness God’s love through acts of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with others who share goodwill to address both the immediate needs and underlying causes of poverty, making no distinctions in those served because, in each person, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Founders & Contributors
St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
Founded the Congregation of the Mission, the Daughters of Charity, and several charitable confraternities. Known as the “Apostle of Charity” and “Father of the Poor,” he transformed priestly formation and organized extensive services for the poor.
Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (1813-1853)
A professor and advocate for the poor who founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as a student in Paris. His writings on social justice anticipated modern Catholic social teaching, and his feast day is celebrated on September 9.
St. Louise de Marillac (1591 - 1660)
A collaborator of St. Vincent, co-founded the Daughters of Charity and helped organize hospitals, orphanages, and other works serving the poor. A wife, mother, teacher, nurse, and religious foundress, she advanced charity and education.
Blessed Rosalie Rendu (1786 - 1856)
Daughter of Charity who served the poor in Paris for over 50 years. She mentored the early members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, teaching them to serve those in need with respect and compassion.
If you’d like to learn more about St. Vincent de Paul as a whole, check out the National SVDP website here:
SVDP Marshfield WI, History
Then & Now
169 N Central Ave
(previous to 1941, 135 N Central Ave)
Built in 1892, across from the original site of the M Steinmetz Store, the only store to survive the Marshfield Fire of 1887, this store has seen many expansions and remodeling projects. In addition to the Steinmetez Store; this building has been home to Kestel Brothers Store, Consumers Store, Johnson Hill’s Store, McCauleys of Marshfield, and now St. Vincent de Paul.
To learn more about this building, and these businesses, visit the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library. (marshfieldlibrary.org/marshfield-150th-anniversary/)
Business TimeLine
1892 - 1909…………… M Steinmetz Merchandise Store
1910 - 1923 …………… Kestel Brothers Store / The Spot Cash Store
1923 - 1960…………… Consumers Store
1961 ………………………… Johnson Hill’s Consumer Store
1965 - 1970 ………….. Johnson Hill’s Store
1971 …………………………. Johnson Hill’s / McCauley’s of Marshfield
1975 ………………………… McCauley’s (close-out sales)
1976 ……………………….. Swanson Furniture (Temporary)
1977 ……………………….. Sears & Super Value Discount Store
1980 ……………………….. Sears
1981 ………………………… Sears / St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
1985 - Today ……… St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store & Outreach