The Salvation Army Savannah (TSA) has announced that they will reopen the organization’s family thrift stores on Friday, May 15. These stores were closed in late March due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and Georgia’s public health recommendations.

The closure of thrift shops was a major loss of much needed income for The Salvation Army Savannah, with the organization typically generating one-third of their yearly budget from their four area stores. Funds raised from store sales support individuals entering TSA’s 6-month Work Therapy Rehabilitation Program (CSRC). TSA is one of the very few organizations to offer a free rehabilitation program for people with addiction issues. A lot of families go into debt to put their loved ones through a reputable program, but The Salvation Army wants to provide compassion and assistance without cost.

Now is a good time to do some spring cleaning, as the stores are eager to begin accepting donations of furniture, clothing, and household items. People are also being asked to give monetary donations online, by mail, or by phone to support many vital programs for the most vulnerable in our community. For more information about ways to donate, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org/donate-financially/ or call 912-200-3004.

“The Coastal Empire has made outstanding and effective efforts to ensure the safety of ourselves and our fellow citizens. The Salvation Army has remained very active in serving those that need us most while doing our upmost to keep safe the precious people we feed, house and care for. To keep that high standard while opening our stores we are modifying our hours for more cleaning, keeping our social distancing, having our clerks and staff clean more throughout the day, providing hand sanitizers and protective screens and, hardest of all, resisting the urge to hug our customers and donors, whom we have missed terribly,” said Salvation Army Major Paul Egan.

The Salvation Army serves all 159 counties in Georgia and is uniquely positioned with 40 facilities that provide family emergency and sheltering assistance throughout out the state. TSA’s workers are local and have always been here for the community. In times of disaster, the organization will continue to be the last to leave to offer support and guidance on the front lines.