MONROE - Those who attended the grand opening of the newly renovated St. Vincent dePaul Monday learned it is more than just a building.
"Workers provide the sweat of their brow and the strength of their arms," Karen Thomas, president of St. Vincent dePaul charities, said to the approximately 25 people who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
She also said the community was important to St. Vincent dePaul's success.
"We're able to help others because you help us," she said.
Monroe Mayor Ron Marsh echoed Thomas' praise for those who volunteer and work at the building. He said they are the ones who do a lot for the community.
Last year, St. Vincent dePaul began its expansion project, which created a 9,800-square-foot building that allows for greater shopping space, storage space and an area for food pick-up on a monthly basis. As the store's inventory increased along with the number of people who come to the store monthly, more room was needed.
St. Vincent dePaul sells furniture, clothing, toys, knick-knacks, books, movies, jewelry and just about anything else people could want or need. Items vary from week to week, depending on what is donated and the merchandise rarely stays around for very long. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise help with such things as utility assistance, rental assistance, food vouchers and dinners, store manager Sue McGowan said.
Monsignor Thomas Campion joked that he was on hand to bless the building for a second time.
"I did this once before," Campion joked. "My blessings don't hold, so I have to do them again every once in a while."
He said St. Vincent dePaul is based on a good foundation, a good plan and good materials.
"Your foundation is God," Campion said. "Your plan is to reach out. You don't judge people in any way. You help people in need."
Campion said the mission of St. Vincent dePaul is to help people in need.
"You have the right materials right here," he said as he pointed at his chest.
"Workers provide the sweat of their brow and the strength of their arms," Karen Thomas, president of St. Vincent dePaul charities, said to the approximately 25 people who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
She also said the community was important to St. Vincent dePaul's success.
"We're able to help others because you help us," she said.
Monroe Mayor Ron Marsh echoed Thomas' praise for those who volunteer and work at the building. He said they are the ones who do a lot for the community.
Last year, St. Vincent dePaul began its expansion project, which created a 9,800-square-foot building that allows for greater shopping space, storage space and an area for food pick-up on a monthly basis. As the store's inventory increased along with the number of people who come to the store monthly, more room was needed.
St. Vincent dePaul sells furniture, clothing, toys, knick-knacks, books, movies, jewelry and just about anything else people could want or need. Items vary from week to week, depending on what is donated and the merchandise rarely stays around for very long. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise help with such things as utility assistance, rental assistance, food vouchers and dinners, store manager Sue McGowan said.
Monsignor Thomas Campion joked that he was on hand to bless the building for a second time.
"I did this once before," Campion joked. "My blessings don't hold, so I have to do them again every once in a while."
He said St. Vincent dePaul is based on a good foundation, a good plan and good materials.
"Your foundation is God," Campion said. "Your plan is to reach out. You don't judge people in any way. You help people in need."
Campion said the mission of St. Vincent dePaul is to help people in need.
"You have the right materials right here," he said as he pointed at his chest.