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Bell ringing important but more to Salvation Army
There are two Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Clarke County, one in Jackson and one in Thomasville. Both stores also house a food pantry. The thrift stores are stocked by donations. They accept new and used items in good condition, such as clothing, furniture, appliances, household items, books and toys, just to name a few. "We have been open since June. We get a lot of donations, especially during this time of year. People are cleaning out, getting ready for Christmas and trying to get in that last tax deduction before the end of the year," said Jackson store manager Cynthia Perine. Once items are donated, employees and volunteers separate the items that will be kept for the store from the items that will be sent to other thrift stores and third world countries. The items chosen for the store are priced and then placed in the store or in storage, depending on the season.
All store sales in Jackson and Thomasville are deposited into local bank accounts. The money is used to help local residents in need, such as paying utility bills, medical expenses or paying for fuel for those who qualify. Marvin Walker drives the truck for both Jackson and Thomasville stores. The truck will pick up furniture and appliances only. Other donations must be brought to the stores. Perine and Elaine Smith, area director and Thomasville store manager, say their biggest need at both stores is donations of furniture and appliances and volunteers.
Several churches and schools in the county hold food drives to help replenish the food pantry. "We only let our clients visit the food pantry every four months because we don't want them to completely depend on us, plus we just don't have it to give every month," said Smith. The Salvation Army's biggest fund-raiser, the holiday bell ringing, began in Clarke County Nov. 7. There are over 300 volunteers involved. "We are really fortunate. In some places they have to hire people to help with the bell ringing, but Clarke County has 100 percent volunteers. We are so blessed," Smith said. "We have the people who ring the bell in two hour shifts and then the people who go out and collect the money and count it, deposit it and bring me the receipt."
This year's goal for the fundraiser is $50,000. Last year they raised $42,000. The Salvation Army also sponsors an area-wide Angel Tree. Individuals and groups pick from a list of needy children and supply them with Christmas gifts. If a child is not adopted or if the gifts are not equal between brothers and sisters, the Salvation Army makes up the difference if at all possible. Businesses, churches and other organizations are asked to refer those in need to the Salvation Army first so that they do not go to several places for assistance. The Salvation Army in Clarke County assisted 1,860 people last year. "It's a wonderful experience to give back. You'd be surprised at the people who come in here just to have someone to talk to about their problems. I thank God for my job. I hope the word will get out that we are here. Without sales the store doesn't make any money and without the cash we can't help people," said Perine. The Jackson store employs Brittany Hill. It is located at 213 Commerce Street in downtown Jackson and is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. "We've been so blessed. When we get low on something, the Lord blesses us and fills it back up. We have lots of volunteer help. The community is so supportive. It takes the whole city to help each other. I tell people, this isn't my store, it's God's store," Smith said.
The Thomasville store has been open 10 years and employees Martha Lynn as manager, Pauline Thomas and Rean Evans-Blakes. It is located at 188 Wilson Avenue in Thomasville and is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
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