SAINT ALBANS, VERMONT – With rising operational costs and declining sales taking their toll, The Salvation Army’s Family Thrift Store, located at 223 Lake Street., will be closing its doors on July 22, 2016.

The religious and charitable organization has operated the Family Thrift Store at this location for many years but has struggled over the past 3 years with a decline in sales revenue. The store has offered gently used clothing, furniture and other goods to the community at bargain prices.

The decision to close was not an easy one and, eventually, the challenge of keeping the operation alive at the present location became insurmountable.

“We are always mindful of our resources and the need to utilize them to help the most people in need,” said Lieutenant Scott Murray, Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army Burlington. “With the direction the Thrift Store was taking there would have been a serious impact on our programs and services.”

The Salvation Army Burlington Corps oversees the operation of the Family Thrift Store in St. Albans. The Burlington Corps serves people living in the community as well as eight surrounding towns.

The Salvation Army will continue to serve needy men, women and children in St. Albans through its Service Unit program, a network of volunteers that assist people in areas where there is not a Salvation Army facility. In St. Albans, The Army’s volunteer provides temporary and emergency assistance to families and individuals in need of food, clothing, fuel, utilities and more.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest 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 to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.