TIFTON — Bells will soon be ringing and coins jingling in The Salvation Army’s kettles here and the agency’s service center will be open sometime next month. Donations are already being accepted at the center located at 612 Love Ave. in the former Sears location.

Renee Camarillo, who will direct the center, said Thursday that she is organizing the clothing and other donated merchandise in preparation for a grand opening.

“We plan to have a grand opening in mid-to-late January,” Camarillo said. “We are excited about being able to serve the Tifton community.”

Camarillo said the merchandise currently in the store was transported here from other Salvation Army centers in the state. The center isn’t open for business, but donations can be dropped off in the back of the store.

“We accept good used clothing, toys in good repair and furniture and other household items,” Camarillo said.

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks can be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 7744, Tifton, GA 31793.

Georgia Power customers can also donate money each month when they pay their utility bills. The company matches dollar-for-dollar donations made through their “Project Share” program.

“The contributions made in Tift County stay in Tift County,” Camarillo said.

Camarillo, who formerly worked in the local United Way of Tiftarea’s office, said personnel at The Salvation Army’s Georgia Divisional Headquarters in Norcross will supervise the operation here. A local advisory board will soon begin meeting on a monthly basis.

The Salvation Army operated a center here until approximately three years ago. That center was a United Way funded agency. Camarillo said the center will apply again to be a United Way funded agency and may eventually take responsible for the operation of Tifton’s Soup Kitchen, another United Way agency.

The Salvation Army will also assist local agencies such as the Red Cross.

“If they have a family who has lost everything to a fire, we will provide clothing,” Camarillo said.

People who qualify can also receive assistance with utility bills, food, a night’s hotel stay in emergency situations and transportation to funerals through the agency. The money raised in the thrift store helps pay for the services.

Volunteers are needed for the Christmas Kettle program and to help unpack and sort items in the store. K-Mart and WalMart have agreed to allow volunteers to collect at their stores. Camarillo can be reached at 386-1503.

The Salvation Army is an international movement that began in 1865 and is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.



To contact reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321, ext. 208.