Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
Please enter your last name
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid zip code

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
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WE NEED YOUR HELP

Following the devastating March 13, 2026, thrift store fire, our ability to meet the growing needs of our community has been significantly impacted. Revenue generated through our Family Store plays a vital role in supporting the life-changing programs and services The Salvation Army provides each day. While this unexpected loss has created new challenges, our commitment to serving individuals and families in need has not wavered.

Every day, we continue to provide emergency assistance, food, shelter, disaster relief, youth programs, and spiritual care to those facing difficult circumstances. As we work to recover and rebuild, the support of our community is more important than ever. Together, we can ensure that hope remains available to our neighbors and that the mission of The Salvation Army continues to transform lives for years to come.

 

 

 

OUR MISSION AND PRIORITIES

 

Meet human need in His name without discrimination

Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ

 

 

 

 

IMPROVING LIVES

3,499 SAFE NIGHTS

Lodging to 295 women and children in crisis last
year. The only emergency shelter for women and
children in Washington County.

27,809 HOT MEALS

Each meal offered care, dignity, and a reminder
that no one in our community is forgotten.

1,829 FAMILIES SERVED

1,829 food boxes distributed to Washington
County families and individuals. Food on the
table, stress eased, and hope restored.

3,598 ARTICLES OF CLOTHING

The Salvation Army Social Services and Thrift Store are often a family’s first contact with us. Last year, we provided
3,598 articles of clothing through our thrift store to individuals in Washington County.

1,979 YOUNG PEOPLE SERVED

A safe place to learn, grow, and belong. 1,777
meals and 2,921 snacks were shared.

231 HOLIDAY FAMILIES

(921 individuals) enjoyed holiday meals and the
Angel Tree. 539 children received toys, clothing,
and stockings

OUR DISASTER

The March 13, 2026, fire began when a battery ignited in the basement storage area of The Salvation Army Family Store. What followed was a devastating four-hour battle as firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control and fully extinguish the fire.

Although the flames were largely contained to the processing and storage areas, the impact extended throughout the entire building. Significant smoke saturation affected nearly every space, leaving very few contents salvageable. Aside from a limited number of metal fixtures, most inventory, equipment, and store materials were damaged beyond recovery due to the combined effects of fire, smoke, and heat.

The loss of the Family Store represents more than damage to a building—it temporarily disrupts an important source of funding that supports The Salvation Army's ongoing ministry and services throughout the community. Even so, our commitment to serving our neighbors remains steadfast.

Insurance proceeds will fund the necessary renovations to restore the facility and prepare it for reopening. Reconstruction efforts are underway, with plans to have a fully operational Salvation Army thrift store open by the fall of 2026, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year. While the road to recovery will take time, we look forward to welcoming the community back and continuing the mission of transforming lives through the work of The Salvation Army.

 

SERVING THROUGH OUR DISASTER

Despite the thrift store disaster, our mission and priorities remain and our programs and services continue.

The thrift store disaster caused us to delay creation of new programming like a shelter for men experiecning homelessness and the addition of more case management staff.

 

 

$250,000

Replace last 6 months of FY 2026 profit that supports
ongoing programs and services

 

$250,000

 

Repay thrift store wages paid by Divisional Headquarters
for five employees

 

TOTAL NEED: $500,000

 

 

DONATE TODAY

 

 

 

 

Major Mark Van Meter
Hagerstown Corps Officer
Mark.VanMeter@uss.salvationarmy.org

Amy Buzzerd
Community and Donor Relations Manager
Amy.Buzzerd@uss.salvationarmy.org