Charity begins at home as shop celebrates bumper sales

It’s said that charity begins at home and that’s clearly the case at The Salvation Army shop in Sudbury.

That’s because generous locals have helped raise more than £10,000 since April to support the church’s work helping struggling families, rough sleepers and isolated older people.

During lockdown, the shop at Station Road relocated into the main Salvation Army Hall which could not be used for its normal community activities due to the Government’s COVID restrictions. Lieutenant Rachel Hepburn, leader of the Salvation Army in Sudbury, said during this time the shop’s normal window space was used to bring hope, proving popular with local people.

She said: “A Hope Not Fear display has been there all year. We originally had with it an original painting by Lauren Johnston-Wood who painted it for our window to reflect the way the community were pulling together to help and support one another.

“Since then, we've also covered events including Remembrance Sunday, Easter and Mothers' Day, each with quotes and Bible verses and a message of hope and encouragement. We also left daffodils and hot cross buns outside for people to take on Mothers' Day and Easter - just to make people smile. 

“We have amazing volunteers and a very generous and supportive local community. In the eight weeks we've been open this year, we've made over £10,000 - which is incredible.”

Now the Salvation Army’s Day Care Centre is restarting in the hall, the shop is returning to its old premises, ready to welcome even more customers.