Feature 12 to

Captains Carl and Elizabeth Di-Palma

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Captain Elizabeth Di-Palma

The site is open at some time seven days a week to meet different needs. One of the wonderful things about being involved in the planning of the site was our community engagement area next door. We’ve been working through a pandemic, and it’s not really gained its full potential yet but, as things have eased, we’re starting to work in that area more. I think it will be a fantastic opportunity for people to come and connect with church. It’s been great to see people who have come to the shop – customers and volunteers – also come to worship on Sundays.

Claire

Donation centre assistant manager We have people coming to us who are in that little bit of need and we’ve got this area where we can sit down and establish what help we can give at that moment. We had a gentleman in who spent some time here – just an hour – and that changed the outlook of the rest of his day.

Liz

BRAINTREE

OPENED 12 APRIL 2021

Liz Gunn

Donation centre manager A lot of the people here have come on board through being customers. They see our little buzz going on out there and realise that it isn’t just somewhere to come and volunteer. It’s somewhere people can just let their hair down and be themselves. We’re not going to judge them for anything. It takes all sorts to make the world go round. There’s a lot on offer here for people and we look after our volunteers.

Dodge Dodge

Driver I was homeless for about two years and my footwear was wearing out. I walked into The Salvation Army and there was a pair of new boots. The homelessness shelter told me that if I found some footwear, they would help with the purchase of it. So, I explained my situation to Liz, and she told me to take them for nothing! I ended up leaving with a pair of boots, a pair of trousers, a top, a woolly hat and an application form to be a volunteer. Now I’m a full-time van driver and I’ve got my confidence back.