‘A lot of buzz’: Lake Zurich now the site of Salvation Army’s seventh area thrift store

The newest store in Lake Zurich won't open until Friday morning, but that hasn't stopped would-be patrons from knocking on the door in hopes of getting a sneak peek.

“There's a lot of buzz going around,” said Rick Garcia, administrator of the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center in Waukegan. Centers in Waukegan, Rockford and Chicago provide a 180-day residential program at no cost to participants.

For that to happen, thrift stores in Mundelein, Gurnee, Zion, McHenry, Waukegan, Racine, Wis., and soon Lake Zurich play a vital role in funding the program, providing spiritual, social and emotional assistance to those who have lost the ability to cope for themselves, Garcia says.

The Salvation Army says it receives no government funding for the adult rehabilitation program, which has been operating more than 100 years in communities across the country.

Prominently situated in the Village Square shopping center on the southwest corner of the busy Route 12 and Route 22 intersection, Lake Zurich will be the Salvation Army's seventh Chicago-area thrift store and donation center.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be held just before opening to the public at 10 a.m. A brass ensemble will perform, complimentary doughnuts and coffee followed by hot dogs and chips will be available, and 101.9 FM The Mix will broadcast live from noon to 2 p.m.

“This opening marks a significant expansion for Salvation Army stores into the Lake Zurich community and aims to provide affordable, quality merchandise to shoppers, while supporting the Salvation Army's mission to assist those in need at our Adult Rehabilitation Centers,” according to the organization.

The Lake Zurich store occupies the former Party City location in a highly visible spot in the center that includes Trader Joe's, Petco and other retailers.

“This is probably one of the most prime locations we have,” Garcia explained Monday. “It was just the perfect opportunity for us.”

Final preparations for the store opening included setting up a large selection of clothing, furniture, household items, albums and CDs, and more.

Donations are a critical part of the operation, Garcia said. Gently used clothing and household goods can be dropped of at any Salvation Army thrift store Monday through Saturday. Visit satruck.org to learn more about donating.