Charity asking the public for donations to support those in need

 Three St Vincent de Paul donation bins containing over 1,500 pounds of donated clothing and household goods were destroyed by fire, determined by police to be caused by arson, at the St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Donation Center located at  – 3760 Fort Street, Lincoln Park, MI 48146.    St Vincent de Paul staff saw the burnt and destroyed bins when they came to open for business today.     

“The St Vincent de Paul family is feeling blessed that nobody was hurt and that the store did not catch on fire,” said spokesperson Michelle St. Pierre, “however, we estimate several thousand dollars of donated goods along with the bins were destroyed and we’re asking the public to help us in restoring the lost items.”   

St Vincent de Paul is accepting gently used clothing and household goods at any of their 11  Thrift Stores and Donation Centers.  Monetary donations can be made at svdpdet.org  A  list of all store and donation centers for drop offs of goods can be found at svdpdet.org  

A police report has been filed with the Lincoln Park police, who state the fire was arson.   St Vincent De Paul is waiting to receive the fire department report as the arson took place last night and the Lincoln Park fire department responded at that time.

About St Vincent de Paul:  For over 130 years, St. Vincent de Paul has provided vital services in Southeast Michigan, including food, shelter, medical and dental care, utility assistance, disaster relief and emergency support.  Additionally, SVdP operates 11 thrift stores throughout the community and provides outreach programs to the youth and elderly including Camp Ozanam and the Matchan Nutrition Center. SVdP assists more than 300,000 households annually. To learn more, call 877 ST VINCE (788-4623) or visit svdpdetroit.org.