Why do items have high prices in the Salvation Army when it is supposed to help the needy?

Question

I have several bags to donate but not sure if I should just put them on the freecycle site instead of taking them to the Salvation Army. The last time I went to donate things at the store, I seen the price on some of the stuff and I thought it was high for used stuff. I thought they were supposed to help the needy.

Now I'm debating if I should just put my stuff on the freecycle site versus taking it to the Salvation Army.

Answer 1

Our Salvation Army has programs for customers in extreme poverty where every 6 months they can come in and pick out several outfits, socks, underwear, one coat shoes, etc. for free.   Also the money they generate from the sales is used to fund their other programs.  Places like Goodwill seem to have high prices too but they are also providing jobs and job training for special needs people.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if using free cycle works, I m pretty new at it. I do know from a very good resource, that Salvation Army does help communities&families in need,ie: Hurricane Katrina - they work alot with the Red Cross foundation. And I heard that their competitor is straight profit. I usualy shop @ Salvation Army in Spring Hill on Wednsdays & Saturdays, everything is 1/2 off  except furniture. Happy shopping & selling. Good Luck

Answer 3

they are extremely expensive. when my aunts house burnt, she went to them for some help with furniture and they told here that since she wasn't on welfare, she didn't qualify for help but if she quit her job, to come back.. so I don't donate to them..

Answer 4

Well, the last time I went to a Salvation Army they were pretty expensive I thought as well.  I know that consignment shops sell second hand but actually look at the clothing before hanging it up to sell. Salvation Army seems to sell whatever comes through their door.  Freecycle is ok but some probably abuse it by taking things they don't really need.  Maybe you could post on Craigslist in your area and state in your ad for needy families only.  That will at least deter some of the greedys out there. Obviously, I would first make sure no one I knew personally needed what I wanted to give away.

Answer 5

Hi MsLady,

Sorry to tell you,  but Salvation Army is not an organization that helps the needy.   They are an organization that helps men who are down on their luck....  drug abusers and alcoholics as well as ex-cons and men who are on parole.    They have a 12 step program to help these guys get back on their feet.  It is suppose to be a christian organization and even have Salvation Army churches.   The guys live in the SA facilities for free while going through the program... they are also required to work in the SA stores for no pay.    They get their food and clothing supplied to them as well as professional counseling and medical treatment if it is needed.

The prices on the donated items are controlled by the General or whatever they call him...  Some of the Generals have weird ideas about what people will pay for used, donated items.  I agree the stuff is too  expensive.

If you feel you would like to help in their cause,  you should donate but if not,  you should give it to charities for which you know the items will go to those in need.

Hope I was able to explain how things work at the SA.

Thanks for reading

Answer 6

The needy are helped with revenues procured through the sale of goods. The rent and light bill must also be paid for the store to remain open. The majority of employees are what you might call "needy" also. Some are mentally challenged, where else will they get jobs?