Why Do Items Have High Prices in the Salvation Army When It Is Supposed to Help the Needy?

Question by ladybug: Why do items have high prices in the Salvation Army when it is supposed to help the needy?
I have several bags to donate but not sure if I should just put them on the freecycle site instead of taking them to the Salvation Army. The last time I went to donate things at the store, I seen the price on some of the stuff and I thought it was high for used stuff. I thought they were supposed to help the needy.

Now I’m debating if I should just put my stuff on the freecycle site versus taking it to the Salvation Army.

Best answer:

Answer by calin
Our Salvation Army has programs for customers in extreme poverty where every 6 months they can come in and pick out several outfits, socks, underwear, one coat shoes, etc. for free. Also the money they generate from the sales is used to fund their other programs. Places like Goodwill seem to have high prices too but they are also providing jobs and job training for special needs people.

Add your own answer in the comments!

 


 

Christmas in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver – Follow my blog at hammyrevenge.blogspot.ca This video was produced on Christmas eve, with the Windows Movie Maker Program. All the pictures were taken with my Panasonic Digital Camera. Often referred to as the poorest postal code in Canada, the Downtown East-side of Vancouver is an area that receives substantial, financial support. Although it is apparent to anyone walking or driving through that the trickle down effect does not help these funds make it to those who need the help. Quite a few of the support agencies receiving provincial and federal money to operate in this neighborhood are in fact located behind locked bars and their doors never open to help these people. One agency always has it’s doors open and I included a shot of their sign. I do not mean this to be in bad taste and if it helps anyone at all I am happy I made it.

 

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Feeling of power part of the lure | Geelong, VIC, Australia

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Deb Little, acting director of the Salvation Army's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services for southern Australia, and a Geelong resident, said ice was used by people of different age and socio-economic groups. "Working in treatment services I see ice use …
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6 Responses to Why Do Items Have High Prices in the Salvation Army When It Is Supposed to Help the Needy?

  • Willie Green says:

    The needy are helped with revenues procured through the sale of goods. The rent and light bill must also be paid for the store to remain open. The majority of employees are what you might call “needy” also. Some are mentally challenged, where else will they get jobs?

  • scrappysmom says:

    they are extremely expensive. when my aunts house burnt, she went to them for some help with furniture and they told here that since she wasn’t on welfare, she didn’t qualify for help but if she quit her job, to come back.. so I don’t donate to them..

  • Angela C says:

    I’m not sure if using free cycle works, I m pretty new at it. I do know from a very good resource, that Salvation Army does help communities&families in need,ie: Hurricane Katrina – they work alot with the Red Cross foundation. And I heard that their competitor is straight profit. I usualy shop @ Salvation Army in Spring Hill on Wednsdays & Saturdays, everything is 1/2 off except furniture. Happy shopping & selling. Good Luck

  • Sarah G says:

    Well, the last time I went to a Salvation Army they were pretty expensive I thought as well. I know that consignment shops sell second hand but actually look at the clothing before hanging it up to sell. Salvation Army seems to sell whatever comes through their door. Freecycle is ok but some probably abuse it by taking things they don’t really need. Maybe you could post on Craigslist in your area and state in your ad for needy families only. That will at least deter some of the greedys out there. Obviously, I would first make sure no one I knew personally needed what I wanted to give away.

  • Finn Hagan says:

    the heroine is coming from afghanistan, guess whos? bringing it back…

  • soccerfp says:

    nice? powerpoint

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