Salvation Army to focus on downtown Rome location

 

Media release: On Friday, April 26, 2013, The Salvation Army will be permanently closing its' family store location located at 2502 Shorter Avenue. After 12 years of service and partnership, they will be closing the doors of the store.

 

"This is strictly a financial decision for our organization," says Captain Douglas E. McClure. "We are grateful for all of the support and the wonderful customers that have come to our West Rome location. At this time, we can no longer afford to keep two locations open. Our Second Avenue location in downtown Rome is a more widely-known and established location."

 

The company shared that for the last couple of years, they have been struggling financially with their discount retail locations. The revenue generated from the Family Store operations helps to fund the various programs of The Salvation Army. From children's summer camps to music/drama classes to the emergency shelter programs, the income provided by sales in the stores changes countless lives all over the greater Rome, GA area.

 

Captain McClure also said, "Over the past few years, the people of the greater Rome, GA area have depended on The Salvation Army during times of disaster. The money to fund those disaster operations primarily comes from sales in the Family Store and private donations. The Salvation Army does not receive federal funding for disaster operations."

 

Along with the revenue generated by the Family Store which funds these life-changing programs, The Salvation Army also provides thousands of pieces of clothing to people at no cost through its' Social Services programs. All of the programs and services come from people donating items to the Family Store and others stopping by to discover "treasures" and give them a new home! Without donations from the general public and people shopping at the store, these programs will not be able to reach as many people.

The Salvation Army has big plans for its' downtown location. From reorganizing the store to hold more items to adding an easier donation and warehouse operation to identify more parking opportunities in the area, the Army is working hard to make the shopping and donating experience easier! There is even plans in the immediate future to add a public bathroom and dressing room to try on clothing before purchase. 

Says McClure: What is raised here in Rome stays here to benefit the people and community of Rome! Help us to continue "Doing the Most Good" here for the people of the greater Rome, GA area!