News Release: 5/18/2026

At St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County, our mission has always been about more than operating a store—we are a mission for the poor and those in need. Since 1953, we have remained committed to serving our neighbors in need with dignity, compassion, and respect. Each year, we assist more than 5,000 individuals and families throughout our community through the support generated by donations, volunteers, and our stores.

Because of this mission, we are only able to accept donated items that are new, gently used, clean, and in working condition. Many of the items we receive are purchased or directly distributed to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Providing quality items helps ensure that every person we serve is treated with dignity and respect. Everyone deserves access to safe, functional, and dependable clothing, furniture, and household goods.

To protect the safety of our staff, volunteers, and customers, all donations must be inspected before acceptance. Some items cannot be accepted due to safety concerns, health regulations, resale limitations, or disposal restrictions. This may include items that are broken, heavily damaged, missing parts, recalled, unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise unsuitable for reuse. Certain items—such as some medical equipment, hazardous materials, or heavily worn furniture and mattresses—may also be prohibited due to legal or safety guidelines.

Many people do not realize that nonprofits incur significant costs when disposing of unusable donations. Items that are broken, unsafe, heavily worn, or otherwise unsuitable for resale still require staff and volunteer time to unload, sort, inspect, move, and process. In addition, the organization must cover transportation and disposal expenses while managing limited storage and processing space. Once items are identified as unsellable or unsafe, they must still be properly transported and disposed of in accordance with regulations. Disposal costs at landfills and waste facilities can add up quickly, especially for large furniture, broken mattresses, damaged appliances, construction debris, or heavily soiled items, and certain materials may require special handling due to environmental or safety requirements. These added costs and resource demands reduce the time, funding, and space that could otherwise be directed toward supporting our programs and serving the community.

As a mission-driven organization, we work hard to be good stewards of every donation and every dollar entrusted to us. By donating only new, gently used, clean, and working items, community members help reduce unnecessary disposal costs and allow more resources to go directly toward programs and assistance for local families in need.

Our donation policies are in place to help us continue our mission responsibly and sustainably for years to come. By donating quality items, you help us maximize the value of every donation, reduce unnecessary waste, and continue providing meaningful assistance to thousands of local families each year.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our community. Together, we can continue turning donations into hope, support, and opportunity for those who need it most.