Salvation Army thrift store to close for season

The Salvation Army of Elgin is closing at its longtime thrift store - which used to make money but lost $4,000 last year - on Oct. 31 with hopes to reopen it in the spring.

"Right now, we're calling it a suspension of operations," Salvation Army Major Ken Nicolai said. "We're hoping that come spring the economic climate will be better to reopen it."

Nicolai said the thrift store usually earns the Salvation Army $20,000 to $30,000 a year.

But fewer people are donating quality used items as they look to control expenses. And the people who usually come in to buy clothes and other goods are worse off and usually have need-based vouchers for free items.

"The people who used to pay a little bit for their clothes can't (anymore) and we're giving out more free stuff than ever," Nicolai said.

One employee at the store has been reassigned within the Salvation Army and the other is moving to another community agency.

Nicolai said the Salvation Army will still offer a "community closet" for people who qualify based on need. The location at 316 Douglas Ave. still will accept donations.

For details, call (847) 741-2304 or stop by weekdays between 1 and 3 p.m.

While the thrift store suspension is a setback, Nicolai said, the Salvation Army of Elgin is still strong and in no danger of closing.

He noted the organization is debt-free and served 21,000 people last year, a huge increase over the usual 9,000 to 12,000 people served.

"We're doing this to make sure very dollar possible goes to people in need," Nicolai said.