Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
2. Who do we help?
3. What makes us different from most other charitable organizations?
4. Who are our members?
5. How do we obtain our funds?
6. What kind of donations do we accept?
7. How do you get your donations to us?
8. What if I want to donate money or property?
9. Is your gift tax deductible?

1. What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization of lay persons who wish to live their faith by loving and serving as Jesus did. The Society derives its inspiration from the thinking and work of its patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

2. Who do we help?
Volunteer members, called Vincentians, seek, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement, to HELP THOSE OF ALL FAITHS who are hungry and needy and suffering. The Sonoma County Council is made up of 14 parish-centered groups called Conferences.

3. What makes us different from most other charitable organizations?
What separates ours from most others who aid the less-fortunate, is the way in which our volunteers conduct this work. Instead of helping only those who come to us, our members provide one-one-one service to those in need, often going into people's homes to learn the extent of the needs. This assistance includes providing not only immediate help, but also assistance geared toward aiding individuals in finding ways to resolve the issues that put them in a position of need in the first place. In addition, unlike many other such organizations, a full 100 percent of all cash donations made to us, as well as all proceeds from the sale of donated items in our non-profit Thrift Store goes to our programs to help the needy.

4. Who are our members?
With close to one million members worldwide in 136 countries, the Sonoma County District Council serves the needy who live in our several local communities. More than 200 Vincentian volunteers serve in this area.

5. How do we obtain our funds?
In addition to proceeds from our Thrift Store sales, we receive some of our funding through cash, real estate, estate gifts and miscellaneous other donations.

6. What kind of donations do we accept?
Useable/saleable goods of all kinds, new and used, are most welcome. These include furniture, clothing, appliances, household items, motor vehicles, boats, Recreational Vehicles.

7. How do you get your donations to us?
You may bring your donations to our Thrift Store Donation Center (5671 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park) or phone us for the free pickup of larger furniture items, including vehicles. Our Office will mutually arrange a day for the pickup, usually within one week. Please call (707)584-1579 or (800)584-1579.

8. What if I want to donate money or property?
To donate cash, you can please fill out our Pledge Form and mail to us with your check. You also can include St. Vincent de Paul in your will or donate property to us. For more information please email us at svdpson@svdp-sonoma.org, call us at (707)584-1579 or write us at P.O. Box 1095, Rohnert Park, CA 94927.

9. Is your gift tax deductible?
Most donations are tax deductible. Contact your accountant and/or the Internal Revenue Service for more information on what qualifies and to learn how to determine the value of your donation. You will receive a donation receipt or letter of acknowledgement as proof you may use for the IRS. The deduction is between the donor and the government.