DAYTON-Bob Patras, manager of St. Vincent de Paul Store in Dayton, has decided to open the doors on May 11, after being closed since March 20.

He is of the belief that St. Vincent’s offers essential service to the poor and the community in and around Dayton.

“We are providing for the people in this town-clothing and essentials,” Patras said. “We did four times more than normal (the first day) that tells me people needed stuff- clothes. Hundreds and hundreds of items sold.”

Additionally, Project Timothy’s office offers multiple needed services to the community and is housed within the doors of St. Vincent’s. Having the store open allows for people to access the office without waiting for appointments or waiting outside.

The public had a robust response to the store opening with record sales the first two days of opening. Prior to opening, many more donations than usual had been made by local people. Patras reported to say that many customers said, “Thank you for opening up” and “Thank you for taking (donations.)”

St. Vincent’s is a thrift store offering used, and sometimes new items at discount to those in the community. The money that comes in pays their employees, who are often in need of the paycheck, helps fund Project Timothy, and also pays for overhead costs.