Former Salvation Army thrift store plans free merchandise giveaway Saturday

The former downtown store will open from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 for a one-day giveaway of remaining merchandise. No vouchers or registration are required.

Sarnia’s former Salvation Army Thrift Store will open for three hours Saturday, Nov. 7, to give away its remaining merchandise, with no vouchers or registration required.

The one-day giveaway runs from 9 a.m. to noon at 122 Christina St. N. It applies only to the Sarnia location.

In its Facebook announcement, the store says clothing, household essentials and other everyday items remaining on its shelves and racks will be available free of charge. Residents are invited to take what they and their households need.

The giveaway covers the remaining merchandise. Shelving and racks are excluded.

The store permanently closed Sept. 30. Saturday’s opening is a one-time inventory giveaway.

In its closure announcement, the Salvation Army said an operational review found the store was no longer financially sustainable over the long term. The organization cited the presence of several other second-hand clothing and houseware shops in the community.

Donations to the thrift store stopped Sept. 16. The organization thanked employees, volunteers, donors and shoppers for their support over the store’s years of operation.

The closure affects the thrift store only. The Salvation Army said its ministry and social service programs would continue in Sarnia.

Its Community and Family Services office operates at 970 Confederation St., offering food assistance and support with expenses such as rent, utilities and medical needs. Information about those services is available by calling 519-337-3011.