Salvation Army opens outlet
By Karen Donato-Duff
Staff Writer
Captain Steve Pearl and his wife Irma are anxiously awaiting the completion of renovations for the new Salvation Army Thrift Store in Houlton. Their organization has not had a thrift shop locally for several years and due to the need to generate more revenue, the thrift shop idea was revisited.
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Karen Donato-Duff
THRIFT SHOP TO OPEN — Captain Steve Pearl checks on the renovations being done in the former McGillicuddy Furniture Store on Water Street in Houlton. The Salvation Army will be opening a new Thrift Store there on Oct. 4.
Captain Pearl had been looking for a place for more than a year. He had driven by the former McGillicuddy Furniture building on Water Street many times, noting the “For Sale” sign posted in front. Pearl decided to contact the real estate agent to see if Alex Tessmann of Ellsworth, the current owner would be interested in leasing the building. The answer was “yes”, and the plan was then put into action. Tessmann and Jeff Roberts, his partner in the Centurion General Contracting business have been updating the heating system, tiling the floor and renovating other areas.
Captain Pearl and his wife were assigned to Houlton from Rockland two years ago. They have found that the residents of the area are very generous and supportive. He said, “The Army provides thousands of dollars of assistance for many people throughout the year for food, fuel, living arrangements and other needs.” He expects there will be more of a need in the coming year.
The Pearls are planning a Grand Opening, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are currently accepting items to sell, but are in need of more. If you are fall housecleaning and need a place to unload your possessions that are clean and in working order, please call the Salvation Army at 532-2322 to set a time to drop your items off.
The new store will employ a manager and two clerks, but need some volunteers. If you are interested in giving some time to this helpful organization in our community, please contact them at the above number.
The Army also operates a Thrift Store at 157 State Street in Presque Isle, and you may deliver items there, as well.
