Salvation Army stops thrift store donations, starts spiritual/emotional hotline
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After closing its thrift stores to customers to keep staff members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army has announced that it stopped accepting donations at six Minnesota stores, including Cloquet, effective April 11.
“The stores’ retail operations had previously closed on March 23 to reduce public gathering and help stem the spread of the virus,” said Joanne Lee, service extension director for The Salvation Army Northern Division. “This additional step is being taken to further improve safety for both our donors and our employees.”
No decision has yet been made on when the stores will reopen or will again accept item donations. Lee said they’re encouraging people to hold onto their item donations “until it becomes safer for all to make that gift.”
“The Salvation Army is very grateful for the support we’ve received from our communities, and we look forward to the day when these stores will be up and running again,” Lee said.
Food shelf still going, new hotline started
The food shelf at the Cloquet Salvation Army is still going strong. The food shelf is open for those in need on Tuesdays 8:30 to 11:20 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. It’s a drive-through service for now, and people can just pull up in a vehicle and get a box of food, plus meat and bakery products if they’re available.
The Salvation Army Northern Division has introduced an Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline. The hotline, available by calling 877-220-4195, operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time.
Most individuals and families are experiencing a higher-than-normal level of stress, due to the direct and indirect effects of the spread of COVID-19. Anyone who is feeling lonely, fearful or hopeless during the coronavirus outbreak can call the hotline number to reach a friendly and reassuring voice.
