SALVATION ARMY THRIFT SHOP MOVES TO NEW, BIGGER LOCATION

The Salvation Army Thrift Shop opened in a new location Friday.

Salvation Army officials, board members, volunteers and other workers joined Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce representatives for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location, 610 Independence.

"This is great," said Major Maj. Robert Gauthier of the Salvation Army, "We have enough room to do some things here."

The new site offers more than 12,000 square feet, double the space at the previous location at the intersection of South Sprigg and Morgan Oak.

"We have more sales display space -- about 4,000 square feet -- office space, a special room for sorting -- 2,000 square feet -- and about 6,000 square feet of storage space," said Gauthier.

The current thrift store building previously housed First Wheel & Tire and before that, Horton Sales. The Salvation Army has a three-year lease on the property.

"We also have ample parking here," said Gauthier. In addition to street parking, a large parking area is located adjacent to the building, at the intersection of Independence and Frederick.

The store sells used clothing, furnishings, toys, furniture, books and a number of miscellaneous items, said Debbie Harris, store manager. "We needed more space. This location is just great."

The Salvation army, which has operated a thrift store since the 1960s, had operated out of its previous location since 1985.

The new location is the fourth for the thrift store over the past 30 years. The store, said Gauthier, is a valuable source of funds for the Salvation Army and many of its programs in the Cape Girardeau area.

"Over the years, the store has provided funds for many of our programs," said Gauthier. "And, we're hoping to see the income double here. We'd like to be able to go full-time with some employees who are now part-time."

A number of the Salvation Army board members were on hand for the opening of the new store, including Fred "Rocky" Wilferth, Bob King, Charles Pruitt, Mary Berry, Fessler, and Jess Hopple.

The Salvation Army, said Gauthier, has had great cooperation from the community. "A lot of people have donated items for the thrift shop," he said.