Cheerful young woman is searching through clothes racks at a sustainable fashion market, smiling as she looks for unique and eco-friendly garments
As college students across the 最新杏吧原创 region prepare for move-in day, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores are helping families tackle their shopping lists without breaking the bank.
From dorm room essentials and apartment furnishings to clothing and kitchen supplies, SVdP Thrift Stores offer students an affordable way to prepare for campus life while supporting neighbors in need throughout the community.
The cost of attending college continues to climb, and families often face hundreds of dollars in additional expenses before classes even begin. Between bedding, storage containers, desk lamps, cookware and clothing, the back-to-college shopping list can seem endless. National reports show families often spend more than $1,300 on college-related purchases each year.
That鈥檚 where St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores can make a difference.
鈥淥ur stores are filled with items that college students need most,鈥 said Mary Russell, director of stores for the society. 鈥淲hether they鈥檙e furnishing a dorm room, setting up their first apartment or looking for affordable clothing, students can find quality items at prices that fit a college budget.鈥
SVdP Thrift Stores regularly stock:
- Bedding and linens
- Lamps and small furniture
- Kitchenware and cookware
- Storage and organizational items
- Professional attire for internships and job interviews
- Everyday clothing and accessories
- D茅cor that helps students make a new space feel like home
Beyond the savings, shopping at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores allows students to discover unique items that help them express their personality rather than settling for mass-produced products found in traditional retail stores.
Thrifting also benefits the environment by giving gently used items a second life and keeping usable goods out of landfills. As colleges and universities increasingly embrace sustainability initiatives, secondhand shopping has become a practical way for students to reduce waste while saving money.
But what truly sets St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores apart is what happens after a purchase is made.
Every item sold helps fund the society鈥檚 mission of serving neighbors experiencing poverty and hardship across the 最新杏吧原创 region. Revenue from the stores supports programs that provide rent assistance, utility assistance, food, clothing, emergency aid and other critical services for local families.
In 2025 alone, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 最新杏吧原创 provided more than $11 million in direct assistance to neighbors in need, helping thousands of individuals and families remain housed, fed and hopeful.
That means a student shopping for a desk lamp or a set of dishes may also be helping a struggling family avoid eviction. A purchase of a winter coat or backpack may help keep the lights on for a neighbor facing a financial crisis.
As move-in season approaches, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul invites students and families to make its thrift stores their first stop before heading to campus.
With affordable prices, constantly changing inventory and a mission that transforms purchases into hope, SVdP Thrift Stores prove that back-to-college shopping can do more than prepare students for the semester ahead 鈥 it can strengthen an entire community. At St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, discover how shopping secondhand can make a first-rate difference.聽
Visit for store locations, hours and more information.
