One of the oldest and most successful charitable organizations in the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization of approximately 700,000 men and women throughout the world who volunteer to seek out and provide person-to-person aid. The charity works closely with other charitable organizations to provide assistance to transients and those affected by disasters or otherwise in need. Money from sales go back to the community. The SVDP thrift store in Parsons is open six days a week and operated entirely by volunteers.