The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has opened at a new location directly across from St. Augustine Church in Peru.  The parish recently purchased the former Etesse house at 3028 Main St. adjacent to the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. The thrift store has served the public for several years offering donated clothing, shoes, coats and more to the community and to needy organizations. About two years ago the store’s hours of operation were expanded and more volunteers were recruited. Today the thrift store is open twenty-three hours each week with about twenty-five volunteers manning the store.  Last year the store served almost 4,000 customers.

Jane Woods is the Thrift Store Coordinator

The new location has several rooms for clothing and household good display and storage. St. Augustine’s Church personnel and volunteers have transformed the garage at the rear of the 1875 era home into a clothing sorting room.  All the interior has been painted and the attic is being insulated. The kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilites are a big assist to the volunteers.  The clothing drop box is still behind St. Augustine’s Rectory, but it will be moved behind the new store in the near future.

Store hours are: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. You do not have to be a St. Augustine’s parishioner to volunteer and volunteers are always welcome. For more information contact Jane Woods at 834-5324.

Bob Woods and Father Alan Shnob volunteer at the store