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by Daniel de Castro –
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS were on hand to greet guests and give away door prizes during the grand opening. |
Amidst fun and celebration, the people of Kaua‘i recently welcomed The Salvation Army’s new thrift store in Lihue during its grand opening. Door prizes, free food, special store discounts and musical entertainment greeted everyone who attended.
The new store, located in the Kress Building in the center of Lihue, will also be the future site of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Crisis Center and the Family Services Center.
Kaua‘i’s Mayor Bryan Baptiste offered his congratulations during the grand opening. “The Salvation Army provides numerous beneficial social service programs to the Kaua‘i community, and [the community’s support] was an opportunity to give back to the organization that gives so much,” said Baptiste.
Captain Mitham Clement, Lihue corps officer, noted that the thrift store is the main source of revenue which supports the Army’s ongoing programs and services. These include food and clothing assistance to families in need, utility and shelter assistance, the Kokua Soup Kitchen, and senior and youth programs. Each month, the Army serves an average of 400 to 700 people from its Lihue office.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s steadfast support,” said Clement.