Johnstown Salvation Army closing thrift store, still offering other services

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — The Johnstown Salvation Army Family Thrift Store on Eisenhower Boulevard is closing after more than 20 years of serving the community, officials announced Friday.

Officials say the store will be closing March 1, but they stress that help for financial hardship and other life issues will continue to be available through The Salvation Army Johnstown Worship and Service Center.

The main purpose of the store was raising money to offer rehabilitation programs to people in need for free, but officials say current circumstances, like building maintenance costs and the COVID-19 pandemic, have made supporting the programs through the store impossible.

“The decision to close the store was not made lightly,” says Captain Daniel Gonzalez, who oversees The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in Johnstown, “but after much review, it seems to be the most responsible choice.”

Officials say they still have locations in Indiana, Somerset and Duncansville, and The Salvation Army’s Johnstown Dental Center continues to accept new patients and will remain unaffected by the thrift store’s closing.

“The Thrift Store did provide great value to many families in need,” says Captain Erin Smullen, who oversees The Salvation Army Johnstown Worship and Service Center at 576 Vine Avenue. “Although the store is leaving, The Salvation Army isn’t going anywhere. We’re still absolutely committed to meeting needs by serving this community.”

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