September 30, 2018
Welcomed by the tight-knit community in East York, The Salvation Army Thrift Store celebrates a successful year of assisting families and neighbours in need.
Located at 60 Overlea Boulevard, the Thrift Store will be celebrating one year this Friday, January 26 with a special in-store event. “We are grateful to have been so warmly received having served over 100,000 guests in this community in a single year!” says Maria Guayacan, Salvation Army Thrift Store Retail District Manager. “We are inviting the community to join us in celebrating with refreshments, entertainment and giveaways starting from 9 a.m. this Friday.”
In just one year, the Thrift Store has contributed over $7,000 towards giving children the opportunity to attend summer camps, assisting children overseas and supporting life skills programs that impacts Canadians from all walks of life. For families and individuals who have needed additional support the Thrift Store has also provided almost $140,000 of items free of cost through their voucher program. In the Christmas season the Thrift Store also aided in providing baskets for 25 newcomer families and a special offer for thousands of guests in need.
“This is a growing community with a lot of potential and a strong sense of community spirit,” says Guayacan. The location employs 40 team members from in and around the community, a number of who has been a part of the journey from the beginning. “We are making a difference for families and individuals in need and providing new Canadians with what they need to get off to a good start.”
As part of a national charitable organization, the Thrift Store relies on donations of gently used clothing and household items. “This location has a large demand within the community, so as many donations as we can get we will gladly take it all,” Guayacan added. The excitement over this location was evident on opening day a year ago, when community members lined up early in the morning for the doors to open. Since then the Thrift Store has been a beacon of service in the community.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. The store includes a dedicated Donor Welcome Centre with donations accepted daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.