Salvation Army Thrift Store reopens in Sioux Lookout

Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer

The Salvation Army Thrift Store has reopened in limited capacity, after remaining closed since mid-March due to the pandemic. The store will be open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Carol Maxwell, who has been volunteering with the store for over eight years, said, “Due to the floor space of the store, there will be a maximum of four customers at a time, for a limit of 15 minute-shopping, to try and accommodate as many people as possible.” She added that the staff would appreciate having only one member per household, to be able to assist more people.
Maxwell said that all customers will be required to wear a facemask and are recommended to use sanitizer, which will also be provided at the store. Customers are also asked to provide small or exact change. “Shoppers can fill a $5 or $7 plastic bag of clothing. Housewares and other non-clothing items will be priced individually by the cashier. Halloween costumes and decor are also on display. Donations are being accepted in a modified capacity for storage space limitations,” she mentioned. Some of the store’s collection includes shoes, purses, kid’s clothing and bedding, men’s and women’s clothing, Halloween costumes, housewares, toys, basic electronic items and books.
“Because we don’t have the room, we can’t take furniture. If something is really worn and torn, we can’t sell it. We’re not going to sell anything that has a stain or several buttons missing. Anything that is gently used, or new or in good condition,” said Maxwell. People can inquire about dropping off donations by messaging Sioux Lookout Salvation Army Online Shop on Facebook. The donation bins currently remain closed.
Maxwell shared that after the beginning of the pandemic, the store had slowly been posting items on the local buy and sell Facebook pages. They eventually thought it would be better to start their own Facebook Page. “People say that we need a bigger store and that we should be open longer. But there are only so many volunteers,” said Maxwell. The store is looking for volunteers to join their team, especially someone to help manage the new Sioux Lookout Salvation Army Online Shop on Facebook.