The mission of the Salvation Army thrift store in Vicksburg has not changed, but with a new name and new location the corps is hoping finances will grow for the nonprofit organization.
“People see the red kettle and they think this is all we do, but what a lot of people don’t know — it’s the thrift store the helps sustain us all year long,” said Karla Edwards, the divisional family store director.
Now located at 2600 Clay St. and renamed the Salvation Army Family Store the new facility was designed to appeal to more of the community, said Edwards.
The new location offers easier accessibility for those wanting to shop and donate, she said, and it is in a higher traffic area.
Prior to the move, the thrift store was located on Mission 66 in the rear of the dining hall, said Army Capt. Srikant Bhatnagar, and the facility was 2,800 to 3,000 square feet.
The Clay street store once housed a “car garage,” said Bhatnagar and it is 7,800 square feet and gleams like a shiny new penny following a remodel.
T.D. Easterling, the owner of T D’s Tires & Accessories, at 2704 Clay St. is leasing the building to the Salvation Army, said Bhatnagar.
“Mr. T. D. has been so generous. He has been really patient and gone out of his way to help us,” said Bhatnagar.
Inside the newly renovated facility, brand new clothing racks stand holding donated apparel— shelving lines the walls to aid in organization and shopping carts are available for those needing a buggy for their purchases. There is even a large dressing room with mirrors and mannequins set to be dressed.
“The new facility gives a department store feel for our customers,” said Edwards, and by getting away from the word “thrift” we are hoping it will attract more people.
Items for sale will include clothing, furniture, housewares and electronics, and the merchandise will be changed out on a four-week rotation said Edwards.
“We lose customers if they don’t see something fresh and new, Edwards said and added items that are not sold will be shipped to third world countries.
The move from Mission 66 to Clay street has already involved more than 500 volunteer hours said Edwards, and with the opening, scheduled for Wednesday, more hours are sure to follow.
Volunteers will also be needed to help run the Salvation Army Family Store, said Bhatnagar.
“It will take a lot to keep the store up and we need people to help us,” he said.
Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The Salvation Army, Vicksburg provides a wide range of programs and services throughout Claiborne, Issaquena, Sharkey and Warren counties.
Thousands of men, women, children, veterans, seniors and families are helped each year said Bhatnagar.
Programs and services include emergency assistance programs, emergency disaster services, emergency food assistance, Mission 66 Diner, youth program and holiday programs.
For more information on the Salvation Army, Vicksburg, call 601-636-2706.