New Winona Thrift Store Hurting for Home Furnishing Donations

The Salvation Army’s new thrift store in Winona, Minn. has had only one problem since opening March 27: home furniture donations are scant.  

Like any of The Salvation Army Northern Division’s 29 thrift stores across Minnesota and North Dakota, the facility sells gently used books, clothing, housewares, electronics and other knickknacks, then uses the proceeds to help people in need.    

But the Winona location is currently lacking staple thrift store items such as couches, tables, chairs, chests and other home furnishing items. It needs these big ticket furnishings not just for its customers, but because the items yield higher profits.

“The more money the Winona thrift store makes, the more people The Salvation Army can feed, clothe, and shelter,” said Lt. Colonel Daniel Sjogren, Commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division.

Store manager Bob Yennie, who also oversees thrift stores in Rochester and Red Wing, said he thinks people aren’t donating used furniture because they’re not buying brand new furniture like they used to.

“But as people do their spring cleaning, we’re hoping they’ll donate more home furniture items to us,” he said. “Let’s hope they do - right now our furniture section (pictured) is close to empty.”

Donating furniture to the Winona thrift store is easy. Either drop off your items at the store 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays, or call them at 507-474-2400 to arrange a pickup. The store is located at 1443 W. Service Drive, near Culver’s and Hy-Vee.

The Salvation Army’s additional 28 thrift stores across Minnesota and North Dakota also need your donations.

To find a location or schedule a pickup, click here.