Volunteer

Volunteer at Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

The Society of St Vincent de Paul relies on volunteers to fulfill the mission each year. The life of our organization, volunteers enable us to provide our wide range of services and programs, and serve thousands of needy families each year.

Our various projects offer fun and unique ways for individuals and groups of all kinds to become a volunteer and contribute their time, talent, and resources. Thank you for your desire to aid us in our mission to empower people—regardless of their background, ethnicity, or faith—to achieve self-sufficiency, by offering financial, material, educational, and spiritual support and by collaborating with others to develop and deliver programs and services that help those in need.

Why Volunteer with Us?

  • Make an Impact: Your time and effort directly contribute to helping those in need within our community
  • Gain Experience: Volunteering at our Thrift Store provides valuable experience in retail operations, customer service, and teamwork
  • Meet New People: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a positive difference in the world

Explore our volunteer programs and find the perfect way to make a difference in your community.

Get Involved →
01

Wood Shop

Build furniture for families Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings

Every week, our woodshop volunteers gather to build handmade furniture—beds, dressers, nightstands, and wooden toys—that go directly to families rebuilding their lives after crisis. Using quality tools and materials, you\'ll work alongside skilled volunteers (both experienced woodworkers and those learning the craft) to create pieces that transform a house into a home. Whether you\'re sanding a dresser that will hold a child\'s clothes for the first time in months, or building a bed frame for someone leaving homelessness, your hands create dignity.

We meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. No experience required—just a willingness to learn, follow safety protocols, and show up consistently. Bring a friend; many of our volunteers work in teams.

Ready to build something that matters?
Learn More & Sign Up →
02

Thrift Store

Sort donations, organize displays, 2–4 hours per week

Behind every family that walks into our Thrift Store is a volunteer who made sure the clothes were clean, the donations were sorted, and the shelves were stocked. This role is the engine that keeps our mission running—and 100% of our store\'s profits go directly to rent and utility assistance for neighbors facing housing instability across northeast Indiana. You\'re not just sorting donations; you\'re preventing evictions.

We need volunteers Monday–Saturday anytime between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM. The work is hands-on: receiving donations, organizing inventory, preparing items for sale, and keeping our donation area safe and welcoming. You\'ll lift up to 25 lbs and stay on your feet, but you\'ll also work alongside a team that knows this work matters. Great for friends, church groups, or workplace teams volunteering together.

Ready to get started?
Learn More & Sign Up →
03

Care Van

Transport neighbors to medical appointments, about two weeks out of every three months

Miss an appointment because you don\'t have a ride, and everything unravels. That\'s why our Care Van exists—and why we need dependable drivers who can show up with compassion and consistency. You\'ll transport neighbors to medical appointments, food pantries, and other essential services every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. For many clients, you\'ll be the first friendly face they see all week.

We provide the accessible van, the route, and the training. You provide a clean driving record (age 25+), reliability, and the ability to assist passengers in and out of the vehicle. Most drivers serve one week every 8–10 weeks, so it\'s flexible but committed.

This isn\'t just driving—it\'s access to healthcare, food security, and dignity.

Want to make the difference between isolation and care?
Learn More & Sign Up →
04

Carpenters Sons

Build wheelchair ramps and make minor home repairs, every Tuesday

The Carpenter\'s Sons Ministry builds ramps, repairs porches, and makes critical home modifications so elderly and disabled neighbors can safely stay in their homes. Every Tuesday morning, we gather for coffee and fellowship, then head out to worksites across the community. You\'ll use your carpentry skills—or learn them from experienced volunteers—to solve real problems: a wheelchair ramp that restores independence, a repaired step that prevents a fall, a grab bar that makes bathing safe again.

We welcome everyone from seasoned tradespeople to enthusiastic beginners. If you can measure, cut, lift materials, and follow safety protocols, we\'ll teach you the rest. Many volunteers come as duos or small teams—it\'s easier to learn and more fun to build together.

Ready to use your hands to rebuild safety and independence?
Learn More & Sign Up →

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Help us make a difference by donating your time, talent, or fortune now!

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