By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
Weiler Convenience Stories in Marshfield, Wisconsin, is using its car wash location to help a local non-profit fund a critical technology upgrade that will allow it to maintain services.
Throughout the month of March, for every car wash purchased in-store at the one of site’s gas pumps, Weiler will donate $1 to the local chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to fund an important technology upgrade.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA, founded in France, began operating in the U.S. in 1845. The group harnesses the power of community and partnerships to feed, cloth, house and heal individuals and families in the communities it serves. It operates a thrift store and food distribution center in Marshfield.
The funds raised from the car washes will contribute to upgrading the non-profit’s technology infrastructure, including a new server and hardware. A recent Microsoft 11 upgrade will render the group’s current systems obsolete.
“This upgrade will allow our food pantry, outreach, and medical clinic to assist our neighbors in need with secure and more efficient methods of record keeping,” said Melissa Sinha, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul.
“This upgrade will result in greater accuracy and time management for staff, volunteers, and increase the time we spend helping our neighbors in need through home visits.”
The group’s home visits (or “Encounters”) are its founding activity and allow trained volunteers to work one-on-one with those in need. This time is spent working on budgets, mental health issues and providing spiritual guidance.
St. Vincent de Paul has seen a significant rise in demand for its services in the Marshfield area. In 2024, the nonprofit experienced a substantial increase in first-time household visits, jumping from 502 to 1,222.
To meet these needs, St. Vincent de Paul offers a variety of programs, including:
- Food Pantry: Serving between 350-550 families per month, providing essential groceries to supplement food budgets.
- Fellowship Meals: Offering nutritious meals while fostering a sense of community.
- Vouchers: Assisting individuals and families with clothing, household items, furniture, and other essentials.
- Lucille Wolf Memorial Garden: Encouraging healthy eating through locally grown fresh produce.
- Rental Assistance: Supporting multiple families each year with housing costs.
The fundraiser in cooperation with Weiler Convenience Stores will help ensure St. Vincent de Paul can continue to provide these essential services more efficiently, Sinha said.
To contribute, a customer can purchase a car wash at any Weiler Convenience Store location throughout March. Car washes must be purchased in-store or at the pump (not at the car wash directly) to count towards the fundraiser. To contact the Society directly, visit Home – SVDP USA.
Weiler’s “Lava Wash” car wash facilities are connected to its store location at 600 North Central Avenue. Car washes can also be purchased in-store at the East 5th Street or 2005 North Central Avenue locations.
The “Lava Wash” underwent a complete remodel in 2019 and features a popular light show.
