The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Troy is cleaning out its summer closet in order to get the fall and winter merchandise on the racks.

Kim May, center director, said all summer apparel is now being offered at huge discount savings.

“All summer clothing and shoes are being offered at ‘buy one, get one,’ savings,” May said. “You can buy any article of clothing or pair of shoes and get one of equal or lesser value free. And, you can match or mix, clothing and shoes. Now is a good time for back to school shopping. It looks like it’s going to be warm for a while so summer clothing can still be put to good use.”

May said the Salvation Army’s mid-summer coat said is ongoing.

“When you buy a coat for $5 you get one,” she said. “At some point, we’re going to need coats and now is the best time to shop the Salvation Army Service Center and save.”

Because of recent road construction, May said sales at the Salvation Army’s Thrift Store have been down.

“Things are picking back up now but for a while things were extremely slow,” she said. “But requests for assistance have remained steady. With the extremely hot summer that we are having, there has been increased need for assistance with utility bills and rent. And, we’ve not gotten the financial assistance from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program that we usually get so times have been rather hard.”

The Salvation Army Food Pantry is always in need of non-perishable food items, especially protein products including meats, stews and peanut butter.

“People are asking for help with utilities, food, clothing and furniture and we’re doing the best that we can,” May said. “We appreciate any help that we can get. If churches or other organizations are looking for ways to help those in our community who are in need, we would greatly appreciate it if they would look our way. The Salvation Army is here to help people here at home and, right now, there are many needs to be met.”

May said federal funding is being cut for many organizations that provide assistance to those in need.

“It looks like things are not going to get much better soon and could get worse,” she said. “Monetary donations are always appreciated because they can help in so many ways to make life better for those who are hurting.”

For more information call Kim May at 334-808-1069.