LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — Clothes, furniture, and other discounted items can all be found inside the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Lock Haven. But soon the store on Main Street will no longer be there.
"Unfortunately the building needs about $70,000 worth of repairs in recent time so it just made the decision for us basically, but for years we've been diverting funds from our other programs to keep the store alive," said Kendall Stout, Corps Officer Salvation Army Lock Haven Corps.
The store will close at the end of the month.
"Just a lot more now, needed new AC, and our truck needs a lot of repairs, and we need all new windows, so just a lot more repairs in the coming year," said Stout.
The Salvation Army helps those in need with food, clothing, and furniture vouchers. They're actively looking for partnerships with community organizations and businesses to continue those services once the thrift store closes.
"Unfortunately a lot of our clients and customers are family here, if you were to walk in most people would know your name and we would know your story, unfortunately that just isn't enough to keep our store open, said Stout.
"Mostly 90% of the people I would say that come in here know who I am. I know who they are. We have conversations, I know about their family, they know about my family, it's just going to be missed," Jesse McKinney, Thrift Store Manager Salvation Army Lock Haven.
To make sure all items are out of the store before it closes, there will be sales at the store in the coming weeks.
"We will keep some for the homeless in our community and programs we offer through our other building, and then if people need it, then i'll give it away, or sell most is what my hopes are," said Stout.
Staff at the Salvation Army hope whoever buys the building turns it into something that can benefit the community.