New Hawick Community Store Officially Opened

Leaders of The Salvation Army in Hawick are celebrating the formal opening of their new Community Store which will boost their outreach work in the town.

Lieutenant Colonel Carol Bailey, The Salvation Army’s leader in the East of Scotland, cut the ribbon as a blessing was pronounced on the new venture.

The newest Community Store on Hawick High Street is offering a range of quality preowned items for sale including a small selection of furniture.

The Store will also widen the outreach potential of the Salvation Army locally, especially by now being the collection point for the local Foodbank.

Volunteers at the store, under the guidance of manager Sheila Moir and assistant manager Danni Turnbull will also be on hand to offer a range of support to people referred for assistance or who just need a listening ear.

Profits from the project will go to our church and community centre in Croft Road, which, under the leadership of Lieutenant Caroline Brophy-Parkin, runs a range of activities including parent and toddlers and other community support clubs.

Daniel Rous, Divisional Charity Shops Operations Manager, said: “This is an exciting time for The Salvation Army in Hawick. This is a regionally supported, but locally run shop, so when people buy anything, they are helping the work of The Salvation Army in Hawick.

“The project has had fantastic support so far, and a number of people and organisations have gone the extra mile to help us get it up and running. We hope to create even more links in the future so that the greatest amount of support can be provided to those who need it right here in Hawick. And at the same time, we help reduce landfill by giving these items a chance to be reused and recycled.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Carol Bailey emphasised the local support that can be achieved through this Store. She said: “During a time when budgets are tight and there is great need in our communities, our local Charity Shops and Furniture Projects provide a great place to purchase good quality items at a reasonable cost, as well as being informal calling points for local people to find support.”

The Community Store is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm. To donate any items, to volunteer, or to find out more about the project, call 01450 378761 or email sheila.moir@salvationarmy.org.uk