Thrift Store is Closing, but The Salvation Army is Here to Stay

After nearly 28 years as part of the Wilmington community, The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store at 625 Main St. in Wilmington, MA will remain closed.

The first priority of the store was to raise funds to continue offering rehabilitation programs to people in need at no-cost, but the current financial crisis, due in large part to the virus pandemic, has made supporting these programs through this store impossible. “The decision to close the store was not made lightly,” says Lt. Joseph Swistak, who oversees The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in Wilmington, “but after much review, it seems to be the most responsible choice.”

The Salvation Army regularly reviews the financial performance of its stores, services and programs to ensure maximum efficiency, and available offerings are discontinued only when absolutely necessary. Along with expenses from increased salaries, the recent shutdown due to the pandemic added additional pressures. Despite closing down the shop at its 625 Main Street location in Wilmington, The Salvation Army stresses that assistance for financial hardship and a variety of other life issues will continue to be available through their service offices located communities throughout every zip code in Massachusetts, including nearby Lowell and Malden.

The store also worked in concert with The Salvation Army’s social services office, providing clothing, furniture and household goods to families in need through a cooperative voucher system.

Now that the store is closing, The Salvation Army’s other Family Store locations in Saugus, Lynn, Somerville, and Haverhill are just a few thatwill work to fill the void.

“The Thrift Stores provide great value to many families in need,” says Captain Helen Johnsonwho oversees The Salvation Army’s Lynn Corps “Although this one store is closing, The Salvation Army isn’t going anywhere. We have a strong presence helping those in need in our communities and remain committed to helping them.”

The Salvation Army recognizes the incredible support from its Wilmington neighbors and appreciates their understanding during this time of transition and for all of their support since 1992.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 23 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 7,600 communities nationwide. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyma.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY.