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Salvation Army Parafield Gardens Thrift Shop to be ‘sorely missed’ when doors close next month

A popular northern suburbs charity thrift stop is set to shut its doors next month.

After 30 years of service, Salvation Army Parafield Gardens announced its closure. It recently shared photos of unwanted Christmas presents dumped outside its stores. Picture: Facebook
After 30 years of service, Salvation Army Parafield Gardens announced its closure. It recently shared photos of unwanted Christmas presents dumped outside its stores. Picture: Facebook

A beloved charity thrift shop will shut its doors after serving the community for nearly 30 years.

Salvation Army’s Parafield Gardens Thrift Shop announced its closure on social media on Sunday, thanking volunteers and staff for their hard work and generosity.

“The Salvation Army Parafield Gardens Thrift Shop has been much loved by our wonderful local community for the best part of 30 years,” the store said in a post.

“However, the time has come for The Salvation Army across the nation to look at how we can best position our services to continue caring for our communities locally.”

“We wish to thank our Thrift Shop staff and volunteers for the countless hours of hard work and generosity. They have and continue to make a priceless contribution to the work of The Salvos and it is them who built a safe and welcome place for many customers to visit regularly.”

The Salvation Army declined to comment on the closure but in its post acknowledged “this news will come as a shock to some”.

“Please remain respectful in your response as we transition through this closure,” the store said.

“We ask for your support as we endeavour to end well, giving our best attention to serving our customers for the last time in this way.”

The store was recently inundated with items like broken furniture dumped outside the shop.

“Devastated doesn’t cut it,” the op-shop said in a post sharing photos of the dumped items on Facebook.

Dozens of commenters expressed their disappointment over the store’s closure online.

Chelsea Hind said she loved the store and would miss it when it ceased operations.

“When I didn’t have money for myself to get clothes after my daughter was born, I was able to buy myself a few things to feel like myself again without breaking the bank,” she said.

“Will be sorely missed and the community will suffer from another helpful service taken away!”

Member for Playford John Fulbrook thanked the staff and volunteers “that made this place special over the past three decades”.

The charity shop thanked its “loyal customers” who “supported and advocated for our little shop”, adding “you are and will remain family,” it said.

“We are truly grateful to the community for your generosity and support and would like to advise that donations will no longer be accepted from now on.”

The charity said those wishing to donate could do so at nearby Salisbury Downs and Parafield locations.

“Salvo Stores will continue to support our local site and we look forward to growing our community reach in new and exciting ways.”

The store will be closed from February 15.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/north-northeast/salvation-army-parafield-gardens-thrift-shop-to-be-sorely-missed-when-doors-close-next-month/news-story/29884800a7908004e05edd16b6095734