Donation-Driven Store Has Something for Everyone

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A new store opened by the St. Vincent de Paul Society is driven entirely by community donation, and proceeds go to help needy families. But don't call it a thrift store.

With more than 1,000 linear feet of clothing racks, rooms of refinished furniture and a library full books, there's something for everyone at the St. Vincent de Paul Society's first store on the First Coast.

"I like the way it's laid out. It's not junky looking. It just looks like a department store," said Regina Williams, who stopped in to shop for herself and her husband Wednesday.

The store, located in a strip mall on Beach Boulevard in St. Nicholas, has only been running full-speed since the end of April.

Like many other non-profit stores, the floor is stocked with community donations, but executive director Douglas Ridgway tries to make it a unique place to shop.

"Just because it's a store with low-priced merchandise does not mean you can't have a very comfortable place to shop. This place has no [musty] odor. The floors are clean enough to eat off of!" Ridgway says with a smile.

Every day, 500 items are given an extra discount. Furniture pieces donated in less-than-great condition are refurnished into polished antiques in the on-site workshop.

"The economy just begs for a place like this," Ridgway says.

Clothes are spun through the washer and dryer before being hung up for sale. A designer boutique features brands like Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren.

Volunteer sales associates come from community service programs, or out of their own interest.

The store is also "green:" items that cannot be sold are broken down and their parts are recycled. Trash is kept to one can a week.

All the proceeds after operating expenses go directly to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The national non-profit fights poverty one family at a time.

Doug Ridgway retired from CSX nine years ago, and has been volunteering since. Though he works up to 80 hours a week at the store, he says it's time well spent.

"I enjoy it very much. It's very satisfying. I have testimonials in here every other day from people who have been helped by the St. Vincent de Paul Society. It's heart-warming to hear their stories and see them come back to support the store," Ridgway says.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society store is located at 3512 Beach Boulevard and is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To donate, call 396-7473 or stop by the store.