By Joselito N. Villero - Feb 18, 2024
EL CENTRO — The Salvation Army and community shoppers celebrated the dedication and grand reopening of its Thrift Store, on Fourth Street, Saturday morning, Feb. 17.
For two years, the Salvation Army Thrift Store had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and damages to the building infrastructure caused by storms and flooding in El Centro and Imperial Valley.
Even as the Salvation Army officers, El Centro elected officials, and officers from the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce were getting ready for the 11:00 a.m. program/ celebration, shoppers were already lined up along the fence waiting to get in.
“Now that everything has been repaired, people are able to shop again,” said Major Jessica Doria, who together with her husband, Major Saul Doria, oversees the El Centro Salvation Army. Saul and Jessica came to Imperial Valley in July 2019 from British Columbia, Canada.
At the start of the program, Corps Officers Majors Saul & Jessica Doria welcomed and introduced the guests: Colonel Eddie Vincent, Chief Secretary of the USA Western Territory and Colonel Genevera Vincent, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries; Lt. Colonel Mike Dickerson, Divisional Commander of the Southern California Division; and Rev. Richard Barnes; Anne Irigoyen, Past President of the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce; Albert Newton, Advisory Board of the Salvation Army; El Centro Council Members Martha Cardenas-Singh and Tomàs Oliva; and El Centro Mayor Sylvia Marroquin.
“We are happy that you joined us today,” said Major Saul Doria, who spoke in Spanish, as he delivered his message alongside Major Jessica Doria, who translated into English. “El Centro is a small town but it’s very special for us. The Salvation Army will be here for many years.”
“I like to congratulate the Salvation Army for its grand reopening for this thrift store and church chapel,” said Mayor Marroquin in her remarks. She encouraged members of the community to donate items they no longer needed.
“There are many people who depend on this facility for their daily lives,” said Irigoyen, who told of her experience shopping at the Salvation Army store with her mother.
“It’s great to be here on behalf of the USA Western Territory,” said Colonel Eddie Vincent. The purpose of the Salvation Army property is to be a place of redemption, a place of reconciliation, a place of rejoicing, and a place of recharging where God’s people are engaged to do God’s work, according to Vincent.
The ceremony was highlighted by gratitude and prayers of blessing and dedication from Rev. Barnes and Colonel Genevera.
Once the remarks and comments were delivered, guests and shoppers gathered at the entrance to the thrift shop to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then shoppers were allowed entry.
Volunteers handed out gift bags and discount coupons as shoppers entered. Josie Gonzalez kept the customers in line and orderly.
Calexico resident Amalia Woo examined the blankets and a decorative painting in her cart. “I’ve been shopping here for the past ten years,” said Woo. “Es muy barato.” (It is very cheap.).
El Centro resident Ana Pineda, bought at least four pairs of shoes for her children and for herself. Maria Ortega, a regular customer for the past 20 years, had a suitcase, bed sheets, and pillows. Rosario Aguilar was at the jewelry display searching for a fashion ring she could wear to attend a wedding.
Seen shopping were two teenagers with an electronic keyboard, a father with a female doll, and a husband and wife who carried a pair of door ornaments and coffee mugs.
Seniors, with difficulty standing in line, sat on one of several dining sets as they waited for the line to get shorter. Others had their loved ones stand in line for them.
Repairs and upgrades included the store, dining room, and community center/multipurpose room. A commercial-grade kitchen was added to accommodate the soup kitchen and family services. The chapel has a capacity of up to 120 individuals, but currently has 80 seats.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store on 1301 S. Fourth Street, El Centro can be reached by calling (760) 352-4528.
Store hours and donation drop-off are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. On Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
“We are happy that this is the result of a long journey. It is a better thrift shop now,” said Major Jessica Doria.
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