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Community Corner

Salvation Army is the Place to Buy

The local thrift store is doing well in down economy, and using the proceeds to fund charitable programs.

The , at 1590 Douglas Rd. in Montgomery, is doing quite well, says Major Larry Manzella. 

"We are really benefiting from the down economy," said Manzella, who is the administrator of the Chicago Central Adult Rehabilitation Center for the Salvation Army. Manzella is in charge of several Chicago-area stores, including the Montgomery location.

"All the money raised comes back to support our programs," he said.

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One of those is a work therapy program that runs from nine months to one year. Men in the program work in Salvation Army stores and take classes in the evening, ranging from computer skills to GED readiness. Support groups are also available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

"The idea is to get them out in nine months and stepped away from addiction," Manzella said.

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It all goes along with the mission of the Salvation Army.

"We are first and foremost a church with a strong responsibility of social service," said Manzella, who added, "We care."

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Montgomery serves this mission by funding Christian-based programs and, more noticeably in the store, playing Christian radio. 

The Montgomery location moved from Aurora several years ago. It started downtown on Stolp Avenue, and then moved to Broadway. The current location was formerly a Sears Hardware, and most recently Cookie's Family Fun Center.

The store is full of aisles of donated clothing, shoes, household items, toys, furniture and more. Items in the thrift store are either donated or purchased from Target stores. Manzella said they have a deal with Target: the Salvation Army pays only the sales tax on the merchandise, and then can resell it in the store. 

Donation sites are sprinkled around the area for such items as dishes, clothing and shoes. To donate furniture or for at-home pickup, call 1-800-SA-Truck. 

A back-to-school clothing sale is coming up during the second week in August. All children clothes will be only 47 cents. 

"We are providing a good service and in turn we are able to do something good with men," Manzella said. 

The Salvation Army organization in Aurora can be reached at 630-897-7265. Call the Montgomery store at 630-897-4604.

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