The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

People and families in need of good quality clothing should make a visit to St. Augustine Church’s St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. (See Photos) The store has greatly expanded its hours of operation and is constantly replenishing its offerings. Pastor Father Alan Shnob explained, “We wanted to be more available for people. We were getting so many clothes. They were piling up and we didn’t have the storage space for all of them.” The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday though Friday; from 9 to Noon on Saturday; and Thursday evenings it’s open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The store will be closed during the Holidays beginning December 24th.

Jane Woods coordinates the store’s activities. She explained “We have a variety of clothes for men, women and children and we also have shoes.” More and more people have become aware of the store’s expanded hours. Woods said, “Word of mouth has been our best advertising. People are really taking advantage of the store.” She said people from Peru and neighboring communities and as far away as Vermont visit the store. Mothers come with their children, so the store has games to keep the children amused. Even grandmothers come to get clothing for their grandchildren.

The clothing is offered at truly bargain prices. People pay $3.00 for a bag stuffed with clothing. That translates into a price of about $.25 an item. The store takes in between $150 and $250 weekly so the volume is huge. Father Shnob keeps the money in a fund, which he uses to assist individuals and families in need.

Five full-time and ten to fifteen part-time volunteers staff the store. They empty the huge receiving bin, dispose of unsuitable items, sort the clothing and hang them up in the store. Off-season clothing is put in storage until the appropriate season. The staff is selective about what they place in the store. If the condition of an item is such that they wouldn’t purchase it themselves the item is not put up for sale. Some items have never been worn and have the store’s tags attached. If an item only has a small tear or a small stain, Jane Woods will mend it and the parish housekeeper Roberta Evans will wash it.

Woods described a recent situation. “A young boy came in wearing a coat that was several sizes too big. I found him a coat that fit him properly. He was so appreciative. I know when he wears it out in the snow he’s going to appreciate it even more. It made me feel good.” Father Shnob recalled a situation last spring. He said, “A kid came in and we gave him a shirt, pants and a tie to wear to his eighth grade graduation. He went away happy as could be.” Several jackets were recently given to elementary school students at Peru Central and clothing is regularly provided to residents at Valehaven Home for the Aged. Bathing suits are given to BOCES students. Thanks to the generosity of local residents the store collects so much clothing that its surplus is given to thrift stores in neighboring communities.

The St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store is providing a much-needed community service. It’s a good example of a community putting the commandment “Love Thy Neighbor” into practice.