Salvation Army Family Thrift Store continues to generate positive experiences and opportunities to not only employees and shoppers, but also everyone affected by the community programs the store helps fund.

The purpose for the store, which moved to 2600 Clay Street six months ago, is to support the programs we have in the Salvation Army, Captain Srikant Bhatnagar said.

“Whatever money we make, the Salvation Army gives back to the community,” he said. “This is a money making source.”

Bhatnagar said the money raised is used to fund food programs, youth programs and elderly programs sponsored by the Salvation Army.

“This is like recycling,” he said. “People give to use, we make money, and we give back to the community.”

The Thrift Store is also a benefit to the shoppers, who can buy quality products for low prices.

“Every Wednesday we do every piece for $0.89,” he said. “Nobody can beat $0.89.”

The thrift store sells clothes, furniture, electronics, mattresses, baby items and anything else donated to the store.

The money made from the thrift store accounts for nearly 25 percent of the Salvation Army’s total budget, Bhatnagar said.

Divisional Family Store Development Manager Karla Edwards said luckily the store is still able to keep prices low and raise a good amount of money.

“All thrift stores run on a rotation because we get so much stuff in and we have to know how long it’s been on the floor,” she said. “We have a four color rotation here.”

There is always a sale going on, Edwards said.

“It will be on the floor regular price for two weeks, the third week it will go down to 50 percent, and after that we pull it,” she said.

Clothing that is pulled or unusable is baled and sold to be sent overseas, Edwards said.

“We want to ask our donors and our customers from the Mission store to please come back and support us,” she said, adding the store moved to its new location 2600 Clay St. about six months ago.

“We really need their support for the community.”

Due to a $50,000 budget shortfall, the Salvation Army could face closure until its next fundraising drive, which will pick up again around Christmas.

To donate to the Salvation Army send a check to 530 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39183, or to make a donation online, visit www.salvationarmyalm.org/vicksburg.

The Salvation Army also accepts donations of clothing, shoes and furniture to sell in its thrift store.

Old, unusable clothing goes into bales, which the Salvation Army is able to sell as well.

For more information about the thrift store, visit the store at 2600 Clay St. or call 601-636-2769.