Thrift Store Saints: Meeting Jesus 25 Cents at a Time

Loved the book. Even though I am not Catholic, made me think a lot about serving the poor.

Jane Knuth has volunteered at a thrift store in Kalamazoo, Michigan, run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic charitable organization, for more than 20 years. In her books (this one and  Thrift Store Graces: Finding God's Gifts in the Midst of the Mess ) are tales of her encounters with customers at the store and in the surrounding neighborhood.The refreshing thing about Ms. Knuth's point of view is that she doesn't consider herself to be serving the poor, or teaching the poor, or in any way condescending to a class of people not her own. She has wholeheartedly assumed the Society's position that the people she helps are her teachers, and she their student. That simple, yet profound, shift in thinking informs Ms. Knuth's every interaction. It produces a curiosity and humility that makes her storytelling so very touching.Yet, there was a learning curve for Ms. Knuth. In her first encounter at the shop -- as a customer -- she brings an attitude with her. When she takes her item to the counter and whips out a credit card, the white-haired elderly woman behind the counter tells her they don't take credit cards. Ms. Knuth bristles. "Look," I tell her. "This is the third time I've driven downtown. Your hours are lousy... Now you're telling me you won't take credit cards? This is ridiculous." The woman gently tells her that most of their customers don't have credit cards. And so begins Ms. Knuth's education.This is a lovely book filled with valuable spiritual lessons that can only be learned by a person like Ms. Knuth, who is willing to leave the comfort of a completely known and utterly safe life. It'll make you want to leave your recliner and sign up to volunteer!

Jane Knuth has given us a wonderful presentation of everyday reality in the life of the St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers.In an often humorous manner that has great depth of compassion the author lets the reader see clearly how the generosity of volunteering results not only in helping those in need but also brings growth in the spiritual life for the helper. I found the stories edifying and moving in such a manner that my own prayer life has been strengthened. It was also so good to know that programs in my own area of enlisting student service are a practice that is widespread.The book reads like a conversation; the pages fairly turned themselves. Having spoken to some who have read the book and found it "a delightful little book", I think I have found it to be muchmore potent than "delightful". "The poor you will have with you always" and we are obliged to be of service to them. Janebrings this out powerfully as she writes about going out to and being present to those in need. I highly recommend this book.

I belong to a volunteer group - St. Vincent de Paul Conference through our parish. One of our members heard about this book at a District meeting and bought a copy. I am the Spiritual Advisor for our Conference and decided to buy a copy for each of our members. I could not put the book down. The books got passed around our parish pantry and has made an impact on how we act and react and gives insight into how and why clients (customers)act and react. It is easy reading, connects what this St. Vincent de Paul woman gleans from the Gospel messages and tries to put into action through her volunteering. Honestly relates the struggles she encounters; both within herself and with the clients and the outcomes of each encounter. There is also a sprinkling of humor.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who volunteers in a thrift shop, a food pantry, soup kitchen or any group that deals with the poor and disadvantaged.

In reading this book, It helps if you know a little about the international organization known as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and how it works to help lessen the burdens of the poor. There are 100's of these types of thrift stores across the United States & this is the story of just one of them, located in Kalamazoo, MI. I am a member of this organization and this book really resonated with me. It's a good read for anyone, though. Especially if you are interested in volunteerism and the plight of those less fortunate.

Well written in-depth view of what St. Vincent DePaul thrift stores do.

This book is a delight to read. Though it can be read in one sitting do yourself a favor and take your time. Do one chapter at a time and mull over what you read. Chew on the thoughts that come to mind about yourself and how you would relate in these different situations. If you have ever done any volunteering there surely were times that you received more than you gave. This is the crux of this book! You will shake your head in agreement of the way various people influence the author just as those you serve are gifts to you!!!

I love this book. It shows that you can find faith and goodness anywhere. I was so excited to hear that she had written another in the same vein. I had to buy that one too.