St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.

Organized locally, Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
The Des Moines council's two stores -- SVdP on Sixth at 1426 Sixth Ave., Des Moines and SVdP on Army Post at 520 Army Post Road. Des Moines -- help us to fulfill our mission locally. Items donated to St. Vincent de Paul are sold in the two stores and revenues help pay for rent and utility assistance, food, clothing and other basic needs.

SVdP on Sixth has been the Des Moines council's main location for more than 25 years. Following a 2010 snowstorm that caused its roof to collapse, it was redesigned and rebuilt to expand its social services and create the Tom Varilek Education Center, which provides GED, English as a Second Language, basic computer literacy and financial literacy training free of charge to anyone who needs it. Anyone who is in need of social services assistance or interested in education center training is invited to contact those departments at the general number, 282-8328.

The SVdP on Sixth thrift store is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The store also accepts drop-off donations during those hours.