fp Turks and Caicos

“This is good news for us,” Bridgette Larouse said, a self-confessed thrift shopper. “When you have kids — I have four — you think of saving money, and this is one way to go. There’s good stuff to be found in thrift stores like this.”

Another person also commented that “it is also good to buy because you also help others.” Captains Matt and Rebecca Trayler, development officers of the Salvation Army in the TCI, led the modest opening of the store and encouraged everyone to keep supporting the international movement and its mission.

According to them, patronage of the thrift shop will support the Salvation Army Outreach programs in the country such as the School Lunches Project in Providenciales and Elderly Transportation Program in Middle Caicos.

So far the Salvation Army has ventured into different several humanitarian programs, including Christmas help for those in need and disaster relief programs for Grand Turk residents and students who were highly affected by Hurricanes Hannah and Ike in late 2008. The Salvation Army continues to mobilize personnel and resources to send to Haiti in response to the earthquake.

The local Salvation Army branch has set up the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund at Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd. in Providenciales for persons interested in making cash donations for relief supplies for Haiti. All monetary donations will be sent to Haiti through the Caribbean-based branch of the Salvation Army.

In addition, the couple encourages everyone to send donations such as school uniforms, household materials, clothing and other miscellaneous items. “All Donations are appreciated.” Donations can be dropped off at the Family Store location in South Dock and at Mama’s Gift Shop in Ports of Call. For pick-up of items, Matt and Rebecca Trayler can be reached at 331-9711 and 345-6802.