St. Louis Council’s thrift stores offer help in numerous ways

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Volunteers sorted through clothing recently at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in the Central West End. The St. Louis Council operates two thrift stores, located at 4127 Forest Park Ave. and 2155 Droste Road in St. Charles. The St. Charles thrift store will be moving to a bigger location at I-70 and Zumbehl Road this October.

With the current state of the economy, thrift stores are the place to be. 

That’s been an observation of Jerry Orzano, director of stores for the St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Louis Council. 

“Our July sales had a double-digit increase from last July,” he said. “It’s the largest sales we’ve had in a year. And August is ahead of that.”

The St. Louis Council operates two thrift stores — one in the Central West End and the other in St. Charles. Orzano, who has been in his position about six months, said the need for thrift stores is there.

“We want to add new locations, as we can help more people,” he said, adding that their goal is to someday open a thrift store in each of the St. Louis council’s eight districts. 

“We are looking for locations in the county — we hope to get something in West County soon,” he said.