This is actually a review of the St. Vincent de Paul FOOD PANTRY at this location rather than of…read morethe executive offices. Of all the food pantries in south Madison, this is the biggest and best. They always have a generous selection of viands to choose from, including fresh produce. They are truly a godsend for the poor. The only quibble that I have with them (and it is a VERY minor one) is that some of the volunteers who assist clients in selecting items are obviously referrals from the court system doing community service as a condition of their sentencing. While they behave appropriately, they don't manifest the solicitude of true volunteers who are motivated by faith and empathy. Rather than engaging with the clients, they simply process them. It is disconcerting to be treated as a product. I suppose that the society employs them for ethical reasons. However, if they are not absolutely needed, I suggest that it disengages as a vehicle for offenders' reparations and relies exclusively on volunteers. The experience is so much more pleasant.

Tried to donate three furniture pieces. Came 10 days ago to pick up and refused due to wet grass…read more(was dry). Called Michelle. Who said she would be out Monday to pick up, personally. She was a no-show. Called to find out she was off. Called main number Tuesday. Henry said they would pick up Wednesday. They showed up Wednesday an hour late, but I wasn't concerned because there was snow on the ground and I knew they would refuse again, legitimately. Called Michelle, she was told I would move the three pieces to my garage. That conversation never took place. Lots of communication issues here and I have wasted 10 days time.

This place needs some love and I am literally so sad I never checked this place out until recently…read more I came here looking for a couch and certainly left with one which I've included below. I'll say that you shouldn't go in with expectations hoping you'll find something same day. However, I've already been back more than once this week and I keep leaving with things I need! I got this couch for $100 and I feel lucky! One of the legs could use replacement for aesthetics but it is sturdy in its current state even if don't fix it. I also picked up a table (I'm using it as an end table) for $15 because it was missing 4 nuts to attach the top to the legs. It had a few scratches on the table top but a little sharpie fixed it. I went in again and found a nice circular mirror for $35. I've been super pleased with my finds. Things are constantly being added so if you love something that much, buy it! Not everything is a "deal" per say but you can find some good things here. Check out their Facebook page as they've been a little bit more active on adding some of the things they've been selling which got me into their actual store!

Clean Lakes Alliance is a wonderful organization led by a dedicated group of volunteers. The…read moreAlliance started from the Clean Lakes Festival and the Mad-City Water Ski Team. They are instrumental in pushing the clean lakes and restoration agenda in Madison and Dane County. Check out their website for fund raising opportunities and volunteering. And GIVE - this is a most worthy cause - we all LOVE our Madison lakes!

Small selection of movies and electronics and the movies were higher priced than similar stores,…read morebut staff was very friendly

Madison seems to have 3 types of thrift stores. Goodwill, St Vinnies, and those run by churches…read moreand/or church ladies. This is the latter type, and they all seem to be very similar (Bethesda, Agrace, etc). Less crowds, traffic, anxiety, and clutter than Goodwill and St Vinnies, but also less selection. Check back regularly and you will find some treasures. For the most part the prices are fair. If I specifically need something, I start with Goodwill, because I have the best chance of browsing. But I dont always feel like stopping in Goodwill just to browse. Versus it can be very peaceful to stop in Boomerangs, or similar. I've probably been there a dozen times since they opened, and bought something 3 of the times. They have furniture, which not all thrift stores carry. The staff has always been helpful.

As far as donating- -don't expect them to lift a finger as…read moreyou unload your car, even when there's 10+ bags. -don't expect a thank you, no matter how many hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of items you've graciously donated. -you'll likely also have to search for an employee to even accept the items, while the donation bay is marked "open." -expect them to keep some of the items you've donated, if they find them valuable (I've seen that happen several times.) -if you ask for a receipt for documentation reasons, they'll send you off in search of one amongst their bins. Good cause but they've burned me one too many times. The ungrateful, unhelpful attitudes are extremely off putting. I'll be donating elsewhere from now on. Plenty of other options.

After grabbing lunch in Waunakee I was in the mood for some thrift shopping. I was surprised to…read moresee that Waunakee had a thrift store and decided to check this place out. It's not on the main drag like you might expect, but just off of it, making it easy to find and park. It has a bit of an odd layout but they have plenty of stuff, and it was all well organized. Great prices, too. The store was clean and the staff was friendly. I will absolutely be coming back whenever I'm in the area.

This weekend I'm visiting my sister and she lives just down the road from this location. I'm from…read moreout of state and have my own membership. I wasn't sure if all clubs were included in the nationwide access. Fortunately, I was able to visit this club with my current membership. Kathryn was the staff at the front and was very friendly and knowledgeable. She informed me of what qualifies and not. From what I remember as long as there isn't a third party payer involved with your payment, your adult membership should be included in nationwide access - with exception of some individual clubs. I was able to join step class and had fun with Bonnie and her crew. Fast and efficient! Got a workout in while on vacation and I couldn't be happier.

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Prior to Covid people could go in and pick their food. Now you check the type of food like canned…read morevegetables, etc. You may get something you're allergic to or can't cook or just don't like. A lot of waste this way. People just throw out the food they didn't want.

The river has SO much food to offer and a great variety it is easily the best pantry in madisonread more

Apparently, the first five reviewers posted no photos so I thought I would correct that oversight…read more Once inside this simple looking building, you'll find everything well staged and organized. Everything here is individually priced and men's and women's pants and jeans are $6.50. If you find your way to the back room, you'll see a treasure trove of furniture, sporting goods, and glassware. The quality of the items on sale here are in surprisingly much nicer condition than what you would find at your average Goodwill. As far as thrift stores go, this is as good as it gets. The 10 pictures included should get you through the door.

We are from Green Bay. We have visited St. Vincent stores all over Wisconsin and Michigan. We have…read morenever seen a better St. Vincent's then this one. We tell every one we know about this place. We are going back this week!!