Salvation Army Seeks Donations Of Clothing & Household Items

BRIDGEPORT — The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Fairfield County needs donations of new and gently used clothing, shoes, furniture, and household items to stock its thrift stores.

“When someone donates items to The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, he or she is actually making multiple donations,” says Captain Don Sanderson, the center’s administrator. “Our residents learn work skills sorting and preparing items for sale. Shoppers find real bargains. And the center earns the funds it needs to be self-supporting.”

The Adult Rehabilitation Center in Bridgeport offers a residential program to men struggling with social, emotional, and spiritual issues. Many have turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with their problems. The center’s program includes individual and group counseling, work therapy, daily religious devotions, education classes, and life skills development, along with social and recreational activities.

The program is free to clients, and the center receives no funds from outside sources. The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, located in Bridgeport, Danbury, and Stamford, must provide the money needed for its operations.

Among the items sought are adult and children’s clothing and shoes; games, bicycles, and other toys; household items such as glassware, cookware, linens, and decorative accessories; and both wood and upholstered furniture for home or office.

Items must be clean and in good condition, so shoppers will want to purchase them.

“The average prices for items in our stores are the same as they were 20 years ago,” says Capt Sanderson. “We have many savvy shoppers who visit often because they know we’re adding merchandise every day.”

Anyone wishing to donate items can drop them at a collection box featuring the Salvation Army red shield. Furniture or donations of five or more bags of items will be picked up at no charge by a Salvation Army truck anywhere in Fairfield County. To schedule a pick up or to find the location of a collection box, call 800-95-TRUCK (958-7825).