Growing Our Mission Through Thrift New store opening in Hamilton; Milford store expanded
At St. Vincent de Paul, our thrift stores do more than sell secondhand goods, they provide vital resources that change lives. Every donation, whether it’s clothing, furniture, or household items, is an opportunity to transform something old into something new, creating hope for neighbors in need. This spring, that spirit of renewal comes to life in a big way with the expansion of our thrift store operations in Hamilton and Milford.
Opening this summer, our new Hamilton Thrift Store and Donation Center at 4020 Pleasant Ave. will be a vital resource for the community— offering affordable shopping, local jobs, and more opportunities to
provide free clothing, furniture, and household goods through our voucher program. This ninth location will help us serve more neighbors in Butler County while ensuring donated goods find new life in the hands of those who need them most.
Meanwhile, in Milford, we’re expanding our footprint by an additional 35,000 square feet, transforming the former Big Lots building into our largest thrift store campus. With increased space for donation processing, a dedicated furniture showroom, and an improved shopping experience, this expansion will allow us to maximize the impact of every donation, generating more revenue for our programs and making
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Jim Wenstrup Vice President of Thrift Stores
As Vice President of Thrift Stores at St. Vincent de Paul, I help give new life to items others no longer need—ensuring they stay in use rather than end up in landfills. During my 14 years with the organization, I have led efforts to maximize the reuse of every donation,
Stay tuned for grand opening details!
Help Us Stock the Stores! Turn your extras into essentials for a neighbor in need. Drop off your gently used items at any of our thrift store locations or call for a free pickup.
513-421-CARE
it easier than ever for neighbors to find what they need.
Every item that passes through our doors is more than just a donation— it’s a chance to make “all things new,” from the shelves of our thrift stores to the lives of those we serve.
“Our thrift stores are more than just shops; they’re a strategic investment in sustainable resources for our mission,” said Jim Wenstrup, Vice President of Thrift Stores. “By expanding our footprint, we’re creating jobs, generating more revenue, and ultimately giving more back to our neighbors in need through vouchers and vital services. It’s about building a stronger foundation to serve more people, more effectively.”
from clothing to furniture to household goods. What can’t be sold in St. Vincent de Paul’s thrift stores or redistributed to neighbors in need is recycled, including more than 2.2 million pounds of clothing last year alone. I take pride in mentoring others, helping my team grow while advancing the mission of providing food, medicine, and housing support to the community. My passion for restoration extends beyond work,
whether I’m bringing forgotten items back to life or restoring a 1966 Ford Mustang in my garage. For me, every item—like every person—deserves a second chance.
and service
all to support our neighbors served through the Neyer Outreach Center. His efforts remind us that generosity transcends generations, and that every act of kindness—no matter how small—has the power to inspire change. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the power of service. You’ve helped carry our mission forward…and we’re just getting started.
the growing demand for free prescriptions. Last year alone, our three pharmacy locations filled nearly 95,000 prescriptions, each one a vital step toward healing and stability. Through these improvements, we reaffirm our commitment to offering renewed hope, health, and care to those who need it most.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Jeremy Phillippi Pantry Manager
As Pantry Manager at St. Vincent de Paul’s Catino Choice Food Pantry, I lead our efforts to rescue surplus food and reduce waste, making sure good food finds its way to neighbors, not landfills. I coordinate with more than 40 community partners, including restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores, to reclaim high-quality items like fresh bread, produce, and even ice cream that would otherwise go unused.
Thanks to Kroger’s generosity and expertise, the Catino Choice Food Pantry has been transformed —offering greater dignity, stability, and a renewed sense of hope. Every improvement is a testament to what’s possible when generosity is given new life.
Every donation is carefully reviewed for safety and repurposed creatively— what we can’t use in the pantry, we often trade with other nonprofits to maximize impact. I’m also proud of our composting partnership with Queen City Commons, which ensures that spoiled fruits and vegetables are turned into soil for local community gardens. From recovering $25,000 worth of rejected grapes to providing pet food through our Chow Pantry partnership with SPCA, our goal is to care for the whole family and all of God’s creation. Outside of work, I’m a certified food
The addition of repurposed refrigeration, also donated by Kroger, allows us to store more fresh, nutritious food for our neighbors. Thanks to Kroger’s generous donation, new shelving has transformed the pantry into a more organized and welcoming space.
The upgrades have significantly reduced wait times and improved efficiency, ensuring families receive the help they need faster than ever.
safety instructor, a passionate home baker, and a proud parent to four Pomeranians. Whether it’s creating a recipe at home or building sustainable systems at SVDP, I believe in using every ingredient—and every opportunity—to nourish others.
Make this holiday season a Season of Love!
Mark your calendar
To learn more or volunteer for any of these events, please contact events@svdpcincinnati.org
Our seasonal programs will touch the lives of thousands of local families this winter. Whether you’d like to bring your family to volunteer for the day, organize a coat drive with your coworkers, or give to one of our gift assistance programs, there are truly dozens of ways you can get involved.
AC Drive
June – August
Presented by Mechanical Optimizers
Summer heat can be dangerous for vulnerable neighbors—especially children, seniors, and those with medical conditions. Your donation to the AC Drive at KeepCoolCincy.com helps St. Vincent de Paul provide fans and air conditioning units to neighbors in need. Just $150 provides a new A/C unit that could mean the difference between comfort and crisis. Let’s keep Cincinnati cool—one household at a time.
Strike Out Hunger
July
11 & 12
In partnership with Reds, Kroger, WLWT, 700WLW, and iHeart Media
With support from Reds players and our partners, we’re swinging for a new record: 27,300 pounds of food and $50,000 raised to support our Catino Choice Food Pantry. Bring at least three nonperishable food items to Great American Ball Park and receive a free ticket voucher for a future game. Or make a financial gift and Kroger will match your donation. Volunteers are needed. Let’s knock hunger out of the park, together!
Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing Monday, July 28
Presented by Protective Life and PhRMA Tee off for a great cause at the Prescription Fore Fun Golf Outing benefiting St. Vincent de Paul’s Charitable Pharmacies! Join us at Western Hills Country Club for a day of golf, contests, raffle prizes, and camaraderie—all while helping provide life-saving medications to our neighbors in need. Volunteers are needed to help make the day a hole-in-one! Sign up, swing into action, and support our neighbors with every stroke.
Hope to Dream
August 23 & 28
In partnership with Morris Home Furniture and WCPO
Every child deserves to sleep soundly in a bed of their own. Through our Hope to Dream partnership, 50 children will receive new beds this August—and with your help, we can do even more. Just $175 gives a child a comfortable place to sleep and grow. Volunteers are needed at both the distribution event (Aug. 23) and the telethon (Aug. 28). Sweet dreams start with you!
RetroFittings
Thursday, October 23
Presented by Protective Life & in partnership with UC DAAP
Celebrate two decades of thrifted style and community impact at RetroFittings, our one-of-akind fashion event at Music Hall. Student designers from UC’s DAAP program create runway looks from St. Vincent de Paul thrift store finds—showing just how fashionable reuse can be. Proceeds support essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare. Volunteers are needed to help this night shine. Learn more at RetroFittings.org.
CALENDAR CALENDAR
