Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We presently do not have a local thrift store.

For more information about Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Central Pennsylvania, please contact the following stores:

• Altoona Thrift Store 814-946-3645
• Lock Haven Thrift Store 570-748-8854.

Gently used clothing can be deposited in our white bins located behind Rainbow Music on North Atherton St, Sam’s Club on Benner Pike, and behind the Quik-Fill Gas Station in Boalsburg.

For new donations such as Christmas toys, school supplies, children's hats & gloves, store inventory, etc. please call the State College Corps Office (814) 861-1785.

To arrange for pick-up of gently used furniture and other household items, please call the Regional Dispatcher (814) 946-3645.

It is hard to list everything that The Salvation Army does since it does everything from caring for children and families through recovery from natural disasters, and more. They battle against poverty, addiction and homelessness. They are a kind face to comfort the sick and elderly, a wise spirit to support the education of all ages, and a giving heart to address need wherever it occurs.

No, we are a group of committed Christians who are concerned to see that the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - reaches the needs of the whole person. The Army’s social work sprang out of such concern.

The Salvation Army is not a military army but rather a global army of people moved to humanitarian action through compassionate faith that fight against human suffering and poverty.

The Salvation Army pledges to help people of all religions, as well as those with no religious base. We have an official "position statement" that says: "All social welfare services to individuals or families are given without discrimination, according to the capacity of the organization to serve in meeting the needs of those involved."

No. We respect those who come to us in need, whatever their beliefs may be. We try to establish an environment in which spiritual choice is possible.

We strive to meet the needs of vulnerable groups and those overlooked or ignored in our communities. We make no distinction based on ethnicity or sexual orientation.

The Salvation Army helps people of all ages. Young people benefit from many of our services including kids clubs, summer camping, Back-to-School programs, and Christmas Angel Tree programs to children and teens. Other beneficiaries of our services include single mothers, abused women, drug and alcohol addicts, the homeless and the physically challenged.

There are several answers to this question. First, The Salvation Army has demonstrated its ability to effectively identify and efficiently meet urgent human needs in communities throughout the world for over 120 years. When you give to us, you know that your money is going to those who need it most. Second, the people we serve have multiple needs. The wide range of our programs means that we can deal with the whole person under the umbrella of a single agency. Third, our staff combines the expertise of professional training with the experience of working on a wide variety of social problems and emergency relief situations.

The Salvation Army translates it's faith into action by offering programs and services to assist those in need in a variety of ways in Centre County. Your gift can enable us to serve senior adults on fixed incomes, unemployed and low income families, single abused mothers, and people working to overcome addictions, etc. Children go to kid’s camp in the summer. They receive new clothes, pack backs, and school supplies in the fall. And at Christmas time, families are given toys, clothing, and a meal to enjoy.

The Salvation Army makes every effort to ensure that the maximum possible amount from donations reaches those in need. Approximately 87 cents of every dollar we collect goes in direct assistance. With your donation, we provide "a hand up not a hand out."

We encourage you to contact your local Salvation Army here in State College, PA. We would love to address any other questions or issues you may have or you can sign up to volunteer. Please send us an e-mail and we'll try to get you the answers you need.

Thank you for helping us to help others!