Changes are coming to the Salvation Army Austin Corps’ Family Thrift Store operations.

The Salvation Army is acquiring a building along 10th Street Northeast to expand and streamline the Family Thrift Store operations.

Also, remodeling will take place at the Family Thrift Store location at the corner of Second Avenue and Fourth Street Northeast near the Austin Corps’ headquarters and community center.

Major Marlys Anderson said she is excited about the prospects for improving the shopping experience at the Family Thrift Store and improving its business, which supports Salvation Army programming and services.

“We are expanding our Family Thrift Store operations to a 10th Street Northeast location,” the officer in charge said. “Everything should be ready to go at the new location in mid-April.”

The Family Thrift Store will remain at its current location. However, the new building will house sorting and other behind-the-scenes operations.

“We expect it to relieve some of the clutter and crowding at the Family Thrift Store,” Anderson said.

Donations can still be left at the current store location, but the new 10th Street Northeast location will become the preferred location.

“This will enable us to expand display areas at the Family Thrift Store,” Anderson said.

“It will also allow us to expand our furniture display area. The floor space at the store should double.”

According to Anderson, the new location will require additional volunteers.

“We will need about 10 more volunteers, who will work under the supervision of a paid employee of the Salvation Army,” she said.

The volunteer applicants will be screened and trained for their duties.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and individuals or couples are invited to apply, according to Anderson.

“The volunteers can pick their own hours,” Anderson said, “The new location will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.”

When the Austin Corps makes the transition to utilizing a new sorting center, the Family Thrift Store will be temporarily closed to accommodate the remodeling there.

When it reopens, Anderson predicted shoppers will be surprised.

“It will be a whole different shopping experience,” she said. “There will be excitement and special sales events to attract customers.”

The Family Thrift Store has always been a popular shopping alternative with its wide selections of clothing items, home furnishings, kitchen ware and other necessities of life.

According to Anderson, plans are in the making to raise the store’s community profile through special events and discounts.

“Virtually all the proceeds from the store’s sales go to supporting Salvation Army programs and services for the needy,” she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a Salvation Army Family Thrift Store volunteer may call Tammy Flicek, volunteer coordinator, at 437-4566.