Warren Tribune –
Thursday, DECEMBER 26, 2019
WARREN — The St. Vincent de Paul thrift and furniture store at 2415 Niles Road SE aims to provide a place to help local families in need obtain household goods.
The store, which has undergone extensive remodeling and expansion, held a grand reopening this fall.
Darlene Jones, chief executive officer with St. Vincent de Paul Society, Trumbull / Ashtabula / Portage District, said the one-story building underwent a complete renovation.
“We painted or replaced everything in the store — all new ceilings, carpeting and new LED lighting,” she said.
Jones said when she took over as CEO, some parts of the original building had not been touched in 25 years.
Lou Lepro, society board president who helps at the store, said people always are stopping to look for items.
Jones said many people search for antiques or furniture, mattresses and bedding. The store works with other agencies to provide furniture, she said. The store’s theme is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
“We want to be a place to help people find what they need regardless of where they are from. We serve the community we are in and want people to be able to shop with dignity and find what they want,” she said.
Jones said they work with homeless people or those leaving prison who may not have anything and need help with getting items.
The store is open Monday to Saturday.
“All the proceeds we make here fund our programs and services, especially our dining hall, which is open six days a week,” she said.
The dining hall located next to the store sees 150 people per day and seats 44.
Jones said the society acquired several properties near the dining hall through the Trumbull Land Bank in order to expand.
“We have outgrown our space because of the increased need to help more people,” she said.
For inquires, donations or volunteer opportunities, call 234-223-2933 or visit www.svdptrumbull.org.
Bob Coupland, Reporter
bcoupland@tribtoday.com