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Salvation Army planning to open second thrift store in Janesville

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JANESVILLE — Janesville will become home to a second Salvation Army thrift store in February.

"We'll probably begin collecting donations as soon as Feb. 1-4," said Maj. Robert McClintock of the Salvation Army in Rockford. "We've got to get some of the set-up finished, are waiting for Internet hookups, and some cash management equipment that's been ordered and is not in."

McClintock said the opening date is "looking like about Feb. 15."

The new store, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, will be located at 2826 Milton Ave. The building formerly housed an automobile dealership.

Twelve employees will work out of the 10,000-square-foot leased space. About a third of those workers, who were pulled from 20 applications the Salvation Army accepted Jan. 18, will work full time, McClintock said.

"We can lease up to three years and the lease can be renewed each year, which will be decided after a trial period," he added.

The existing Salvation Army thrift store in Janesville is doing well, McClintock said. However, he thinks its location, 1819 Center Ave., is inconvenient for many people.

"We're bringing in a second location because we think it'll be easier for customers and donors," he said.

A mixture of new and used merchandise including everything from dishes and furniture to clothing and shoes, will be sold at the new store. Donations, which comprise the store's entire inventory, are collected at Salvation Army thrift stores and through drop boxes.

"We get donations from the whole state line area, have a central warehouse in Rockford and distribute to all our stores," McClintock said.

Proceeds from area thrift stores fund a 72-bed rehabilitation center for men in Rockford. The Rockford Salvation Army operates the center.

"We draw men from Janesville, Beloit, Freeport and even as far as DeKalb and Crystal Lake (in Illinois)," McClintock said.

Store profits also help people served by the Salvation Army in Janesville.

"They write vouchers, send people to us and they're taken care of at our store," McClintock said. "We do rehabilitation and run stores—that is our area of expertise and experience. The Janesville Salvation Army runs Christmas assistance, community meals, housing and other programs.

"But we have a partnership to help the people in Janesville and we're partners with them in our mission," he said.