Strong Local Programs Will Continue to Serve Both Communities
Vermont Business Magazine After thoughtful and analytical deliberations, The Salvation Army Northern New England Division announced today that its thrift stores located at 250 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, and 7 Martin Drive, West Lebanon, NH 03784, will close permanently on June 16, 2026.
For many years, these stores have been a staple in their communities, providing hundreds of thousands of items of clothing, home goods, furniture, and essential household necessities to residents at low cost to help those who needed it most. Their longstanding presence reflects the deep connection The Salvation Army has shared with both communities for generations.
“These two locations have supported their communities with dignity and compassion for decades,” said Major Shaun Belanger, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Northern New England Division. “After careful review, we determined that closing the stores is a necessary step to ensure that our programs and services remain strong.”
The Salvation Army has proudly served both communities since January 1897, and that commitment remains unwavering. While the thrift stores are closing, The Salvation Army is not leaving. Local programs — including emergency assistance, food support, youth development, camp opportunities, seasonal programs, and spiritual care — will continue without interruption.
Services will also remain available through nearby Salvation Army locations, including the Barre Corps Community Center at 25 Keith Avenue, Barre, VT 05641, which continues to serve individuals and families across the region.
This transition aligns with several strategic leadership updates underway across the Northern New England Division. These changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen long‑term sustainability, modernize operations, and focus resources on the areas of greatest community impact. The timing of the thrift store closures supports this forward‑looking strategy as The Salvation Army continues its caring work.
“Our mission guides every decision we make: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs without discrimination,” Major Belanger added. “These changes allow us to honor that mission with clarity, compassion, and responsible stewardship.”
The Salvation Army Northern New England Division provides spiritual, educational, and social services through 20 community centers, shelters, senior programs, youth development initiatives, disaster response, and assistance for individuals and families in crisis. These programs will continue to operate in both St. Johnsbury and West Lebanon, ensuring that neighbors in need receive dignified, reliable support.
For more information about Salvation Army programs in Vermont and New Hampshire, please visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england/ or call 207.245.3730.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 28 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at its 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2025, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of “America’s Top 100 Charities.” And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about Salvation Army programs in Vermont and New Hampshire, please visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northern-new-england/ or call 207.245.3730.
St. Johnsbury, VT & West Lebanon, NH — June 16, 2026 — The Salvation Army Northern New England