There's a volunteer-run social ministry in Rochester that helps provide basic household items to those who cannot afford them.  

To help keep the program going, the St. Vincent DePaul Society has a furniture store at the St. Michael's Church hall in Rochester.

"Last year we helped 356 individuals and 126 families. We gave out 113 beds and it was all through the generosity of the community,” said volunteer Peter Schaad. “We are able to sell the things that are above and beyond the basic household goods to then buy the things we need like beds.”

For 20 years, the St. Vincent DePaul Society has done what it can to help out people living in poverty in Rochester. The social ministry provides household items to residents and connects people with resources to help restore dignity and self-respect. 

Volunteers operate St. Vincent’s Treasure Trove, an antiques and collectibles store on North Clinton Avenue to raise money to support that mission. All the money from sales at the store go to the furniture ministry.

"We have a variety of items - antiques, furniture, paintings, tools, hardware and electronics. Everything goes back into the community, so this is our mainstay of support,” said volunteer Jim St. George.

“I never realized how meaningful it was to have someone invite you into their house and talk you at the gut level and find out where they are in their life and what they need to go forward and give them what they need to get them off the floor and living like human beings again," said Schaad. "It is an awesome experience."

Donations are always accepted at the Treasure Trove. To make a furniture donation please call (585) 338-2330. 

If you'd like to shop at the Treasure Trove, it’s located at 859 North Clinton Avenue in Rochester. It's open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.