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CROWDS GATHER AT the grand opening of The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Milwaukie, Oregon. |
The Cascade Division’s newest thrift store in Milwaukie, Oregon, opened recently.
The opening ceremony began with welcome and prayer by ARC Administrator Captain Dennis Stumpf. Captain Tawnya Stumpf then led the crowd in the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as Colonel Ed Fritz led the accompanying 16-piece divisional brass ensemble.
Divisional Commander Captain Kenneth Hodder gave words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration as the crowd listened intently. Many retired officers and soldiers attended the festive event.
Then, with balloons waving in the wind, the ceremonial ribbon was dropped and the shopping commenced. A disaster canteen truck, on loan from the Cascade Division, was parked in front of the store with volunteers from a local junior high school handing out complimentary coffee.
Shoppers received free hot dogs and balloons and a donation kettle was in close proximity for those wishing to donate to World Services.
KOIN 6, a local television news station, interviewed Stumpf about the new store and recent trends in donations.
The store had a very successful first day, with sales reaching $9,200.
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