Army takes control in Palmer

CASEY RESSLER

Frontiersman Valley Life editor

When the Palmer Salvation Army Thrift Store opens for business on Wednesday, it will mark a new beginning - and a huge financial boost for social programs in the Valley.

As of Monday, the Palmer branch is taking over the management and operation of the thrift store. Previously, the program was managed by the rehabilitation program in Anchorage, and subsequently, the money earned went to support that program in Anchorage.

But no more.

"With the Valley growing so fast, we need a funding base for our programs, and now we'll have that. The money we make will stay in the Valley and help our programs," said Maj. Dan Hughes, of the Palmer Salvation Army headquarters. "As of Monday, that money stays in the Valley."

The Salvation Army arranges pick-ups of large items. Previously, all pick-ups done in the Valley would first go to Anchorage, where they were sorted out at a donation center. It was completely random as to whether the donations would eventually make their way back to the Wasilla or Palmer thrift stores. Now, all pick-ups done in the Palmer area - from Seward Meridian to Palmer - will go directly to the Palmer store, as will all donations made to the Palmer thrift store.

While Wasilla customers who arrange for pick-ups will still have their items go to Anchorage, Hughes said he is encouraging people to give the Palmer office a call first.

"If people in the Wasilla area want to see that money stay in the Valley, they can bring their items here and we'll take care of it," Hughes said. "This is a huge boost for us. It's good for our community."

The Salvation Army has several social programs that benefit communities everywhere, not just in Palmer. Locally, Hughes said he is hoping the additional funding will help several programs the Palmer Salvation Army is offering.

Currently, the Salvation Army is offering an afterschool program, five times a week, from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"We've been struggling to come up with grants and donations for the program, so this change will help," Hughes said.

In July and August, Hughes said the Salvation Army is planning an afternoon youth camp five days a week.

The money will also help the food assistance program run through the Salvation Army's Palmer headquarters, and help people with emergency housing and clothing vouchers.

To get ready for the change, the Palmer thrift store will be closed Monday and Tuesday, while the store is reorganized and cleaned, Hughes said.

Customers can expect a few changes when the store opens Wednesday morning.

"We'll have a little different set-up, and I think we'll come down in prices on some things," Hughes said. "We're here to serve the community, and if lowering prices can help our community, we'll do it."

The Palmer thrift store is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The thrift store is located in the Pioneer Square, in the same mall as Palmer Carrs.

To arrange for a pick-up of an item, interested people may call the Palmer thrift store at 745-7598.

Hughes said the Palmer store will be able to do more pick-ups now that it has its own truck.

"We won't have to wait and do them all at once like we did when Anchorage was doing the pick-ups," Hughes said. "It'll be more efficient."