One cold wintry day, a group of four people, living out of their car, stepped down into the spacious basement of Guardian Angels’ Church.
They left with blankets, coats, and sweaters, all provided by Vinnie’s Thrift Shop.
A few months later, two of them returned, and told volunteers how they were now outfitting a new apartment.
“That’s when you just know what you’re doing is worthwhile,” said volunteer Pauline Gordon.
She and a group of committed volunteers form the Orillia chapter of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, made up of Vinnie’s Thrift Shop and The Saint Vincent de Paul Food Bank.
Both organizations say their mission of providing food to those in need through, in large part, the sales of their affordable clothing, is of increasing importance as the cost of food — and just about everything — continues to rise.
“Need has gone up, especially after the pandemic," said Tara Treash, the society’s president, who has been an active volunteer since 2008.
She said they serve about 40-60 individuals and families a week.
They provide staples and produce alongside acting as a pickup location for the Orillia Good Food Box, which includes fresh produce like onions, carrots and apples for $18.
For every dollar donated, Treash said 98 cents goes right back into acquiring food to distribute.
“We are able to help others because of their generosity,” she said.
The food bank regularly receives food from the Sharing Place, but can always use donations. Treash said staples like peanut butter, pasta, and easy to open and heat food items are in demand.
Their goal is to provide people with food without judgment.
“We do everything we can do to keep their dignity intact,” she said.
Across the church, Vinnie’s volunteers spend each Tuesday and Thursday sorting donations, chatting with customers and organizing the wide variety of clothes.
Anyone is welcome at Vinnie’s, whether you’re searching for vintage apparel, an outfit for a new job or affordable clothing for children.
“We have some pretty neat stuff,” said Vinnie’s manager, Maurine Matias.
They have apparel for babies, men, women, and kids of all ages. The society can also help connect those in need with larger items such as like-new mattresses and beds, or even services such as eye exams, dentures or help acquiring new identification documents.
For those who can’t afford clothes, volunteers can distribute coupons helping anyone get the right clothes they need.
For Saint Vincent de Paul volunteers, their work is a way to give back to their community.
“I’ve received lots without payment, so I like to give. It’s good to help other people,” Treash said. “It’s not fair that I don’t have to worry about my food, but someone I speak to has to worry about food.”
Whether food or clothing, Treash said those with the capacity to help others must do so.
“People are in need,” she said. “They ask for help. We are called to help them — period.”
Vinnie’s Thrift Store and the Saint Vincent de Paul food bank are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. at Guardian Angel’s Church on West Street.
Vinnie’s accepts donations of lightly used clothing, but cannot accept larger items such as chairs, lamps, small appliances, cribs, strollers or playpens due to lack of space.
