When patrons of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Berryville buy used clothing or furniture, they are extending the charitable work done in Carroll County to help the poor and elderly.
On Oct. 4 the St. Anne Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society will mark its 25th anniversary, making it the oldest conference in Arkansas.
“We are a real novelty in the state, and Carroll County has really profited from having us,” said Connie Doss, a conference member.
The conference formed at St. Anne Church through the efforts of three transplants to Arkansas who knew of the good work done by other St. Vincent de Paul Society conferences around the world.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in 1833 in France and came to the United States in 1845. Many of the conferences operate thrift stores as a way of raising funds.
Maggie Duran and Clement and Ann McEnaney were among the first members in Berryville. In the early days, the members used the parish basement or parish hall for their thrift sales on the weekends. About 22 or 23 years ago, the members rented a permanent location and opened a store.
The first store manager was Duran, who was known for her respect and care for the customers. In 2000 she was named Carroll County Woman of the Year. While Duran retired four years ago, she is still a member of the conference.
Six years ago a newer location was bought, allowing for about 8,000 square feet for selling, sorting and storing items. Today the store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The store is operated by the board president, a store manager, assistant store manager and six employees. As board president, Clement McEnaney does not accept a salary but still can be found at the store four or five days a week.
“Hopefully I am bringing Jesus to people,” McEnaney said. “It is something that Jesus has placed heavily on my heart. When he calls, you cannot say no.”
Shoppers can always find a good deal at the thrift store. Most clothing is priced between $3 and $5. Furniture is usually less than $50. When hotels in Eureka Springs are changing out their linens and mattresses, the old items are sold at the thrift store.
“Everybody uses it,” Doss said. “That money goes right back into charity work for the Society.”
Doss said her children also get involved in preparing toys for sale. If a doll or Barbie needs some extra TLC, her 12-year-old daughter, Clare, takes it home and gives it a bath in the kitchen sink and washes the clothes.
All of this good work is done by the 14 members of the conference, some of who attend St. Elizabeth Church in Eureka Springs, and employees.
The store is also the place where people apply for financial assistance to pay for their utilities bills, prescriptions, gas and food as well as for victims of house fires or other tragedies. The profits from the thrift store are put into the society’s charity account and Clement McEnaney, also the director of charity, reviews the request.
“Everybody knows where St. Vincent’s is,” Doss said. “When people are in need, that’s where they are sent.”
In 25 years McEnaney said the St. Vincent de Paul Society conference has served 100,000 people and provided $1,156,600 in financial aid to the county. Each year about 4,500 to 6,000 people are served.
“Once you get involved with this, you just can’t let go,” he said. “You know God has put you where he wants you to be.”
