St. Vincent de Paul Society — Local services in Oshkosh

Went here for the first time today and man did I have an experience. My sister and I (im 28, shes 17) walked in and immediately upon entering, the assistant manager stopped up and said is there anything I can help you with? Normal thing to do. We said no thank you. She says if you find anything let me know, we said thank you again. She then comes back saying and if you do, let me know and I will put it at the register and you can get it when you leave. Ok. got it. We walked around the store for what was probably an hour, picked out some items etc. We were waiting on my mother and aunt to finish their shopping and my sister went into a diabetic low, so we carry a small lunch style bag with us with her diabetic needs (food, test strips, insulin etc) There were signs all over saying there was no food allowed so I took her to the front of the store where the carts and benches are, we sat down, tested her blood, she ate her snack and the assistant manger charges over there and looks for us, finally stops us and sees what we are doing and says you you guys buy anything? We say no, we just stepped out because she is in a diabetic low. I proceeded to tell her, if you think we are shoplifting, we are not. She claimed she never thought that but then said how we were in there a long time and we didnt purchase so she kept an eye on us. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Upon reentering, the woman who work there at the front register said that she told them to watch us because I was carrying an extra bag (my sisters diabetic bag). After it was all said and done, we did confront the assistant manager and let her know she completely offended us, she was nasty, rude and just a horrible "manager". She interrupted me multiple times telling me to "let her speak" after she completely ignored everything me and my mother said to her. She then LIED about what she did and finally owned up to it AFTER I called her out. Trying to say she does it to everyone. I was in that store for over an hour waiting on my family to finish shopping and not once did she treat a single person the way we were treated. Was the most disgusting display of management I have ever seen. I will NEVERr return to that store and will most definitely be spreading the word about it. The 2 thrift shops across the street however, excellent employees and...

Update: the pantry had a LONG wait so I grabbed a number and looked around the store to kill time. My pantry number and reusable bag were in my hand. I walked back to the pantry to see what number they were on, still a long wait, so went to look around more. As I was walking, I noticed one of the ladies at the register staring at me. A few minutes later, the manager? Approaches me and said my bag had to be kept behind the front desk. I said “I’m waiting for the pantry but you can take it if you want” then handed it over. The store literally has signs up saying it’s surveillanced, so why not watch me on the cameras to see if I’m stuffing my bag with their items? Nowhere in the store does it say no reusable bags, front doors only say no backpacks. There were other people with larger purses in their carts..why didn’t their purses get taken?

Ps you can donate clothing and other items to the boys and girls club! There’s a 24/7 accessible bin along the tracks. That way people in need can get the things they need for free :)

If you’re applying for rental assistance and currently deal with the housing authority and have invisible disabilities DO NOT bother applying. I had a terrible experience with Barb. Even before I came in she was snotty to me over the phone and said twice they couldn’t help me because I wasn’t working (on my application I said I work when I was able). My rent is income based through housing authority and I was told I already get help with rent and they (Barb and another lady) kept asking why I needed more help if I already get rental assistance. Barb also asked why I was there even even though my application was clearly for rental assistance and she had a copy of my lease and even asked “so you want us to give you $__?(my rent amount)” in a snotty tone. I was asked multiple times if I tried to find more work and I said I can’t because of my disabilities, I was then asked what they are. I told them it’s not their business then left because at that point I felt it was an interrogation, being dismissed, and it was pointless being there as they clearly thought I already get rental assistance and didn’t need more and not working for no reason. After I said that Barb said “and we don’t have to help you.” I ended up crying because I was...

One of my favorite thrift stores in Oshkosh. The selection is seemingly endless! If I plan on a true thrift-hunt, inspecting & digging & searching through all departments, I need at least 3-4 hours to get through the entire store! On top of that, they even have room for a fairly large furniture section. The layout is pleasant, easy to navigate, & I especially appreciate the special nook for antique/high-end purses, jewelry etc. I’ll agree it’s not the most organized or cleanest store, but it’s decent, & I’m certain they don’t have enough volunteers for a store of its size. I must admit I also find the staff kind of “hit-or-miss”. Some are very helpful & friendly, & others are irritable & off putting. I’m happy to overlook this, because in my experience, good customer service is an endangered quality, even at high-end department stores. I’ve noticed many people are unhappy with their pricing, saying it’s too high. I disagree! I find the prices to be significantly lower than the competitors. I think people don’t realize that thrift prices have increased across the board, at least at every store I visit. I find it understandable, considering that thrift stores are now not only socially acceptable, but a big trend! As a kid, I was embarrassed we shopped at thrift shops, & it was for the “low-class”. Now, it’s for the smart shopper & trendsetters. It’s even earned the title of “thrifting”! Plus, I know the money is going back to the community. Because beyond being a great thrift shop, they go the extra mile with their charitable services. I have not experienced these firsthand, & don’t know their full extent, but I do know they have a food pantry, community service opportunities, & a program that allows you to volunteer for monetary assistance w/ rent & bills. To my knowledge, they’re completely non-profit, & staff is primarily made of volunteers. I’m grateful for & greatly admire their charitable value, especially since this seems to be increasingly rare these days. They’re a must-shop in my book! If you haven’t been there, I hope you give...