Salvation Army Shenango Valley Corps is giving new life to a former venture.

"For years, the thrift store in downtown Sharon had developed a clientele of customers who shop thrift shops primarily for bargains," said Major Ted Major Slye of the Shenango Valley Corps. "Since the store closed, we have received literally hundreds of calls regarding whether or not we will be reopening a store.

In response to public demand, Salvation Army Family Store will open Tuesday in Shenango Valley Corps, 660 Fisher Hill, Sharon. The store's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The former Salvation Army Thrift Store on Vine Avenue in Sharon closed several years ago when the owner had other plans for the building. "I don't know what became of that," Major Slye said.

The new enterprise was planned and organized by: Pam Glass, Sharon; Marta Nagel, a Salvation Army case worker; Fred Grande, an advisory board member; Major Slye and his wife, Major Joyce Slye; Beth Howard, a Salvation Army member; and Bud Howard, the Corps' maintenance worker.

"Volunteers would help in the work, but Bud did most of it," said Major Slye. "He helped prepare the building and get it ready."

Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Command Office in New York City gave permission to open the store in the rear of the Shenango Valley Corps' building.

Crystal and Sam Baez, both Sharon; and Lila Brown, Sharpsville, traveled with Mrs. Glass to Erie for a training session on thrift store operations. They will be charged with running the new store.

Some differences exist between thrift and family stores, according to Mrs. Glass. "A thrift store is maintained by the Salvation Army specifically for drug and alcohol rehabilitation," she said. "Everything received for a family store goes back into the community here."

In order to avoid potential confusion with future Salvation Army plans, the Sharon establishment is using a different moniker.

"We changed the name because the Salvation Army is planning on opening a thrift store in Hermitage," Mrs. Glass said.

While the Sharon store will sell items to the public at reasonable prices, there will be no charge to needy individuals. "That's the reason Marta Nagel was involved in the preliminary plans, to help decide who will not be charged," said Major Slye. "The store will serve not only those who pay reduced prices, but it will be a source for those in need."

Fire, eviction and domestic disputes are among the myriad of reasons people typically seek help from the Salvation Army. "Now, we can refer them directly to the store," said Major Slye, who has served 18 years as an officer in the Salvation Army, eight of those with the Shenango Valley Corps.

Proceeds amassed by the store will be funneled directly back into the operation, according to Major Slye.

"We really don't expect at this point to make much profit," he said. "If we cover all of our costs, which include personal upkeep, we will be really happy. This is strictly a service-oriented project."

Donations for the store can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays.

When the store opens, donations will be taken outside its entrance.

Gently-used clothing, household items, toys, books and appliances no larger than a microwave can be contributed.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Erie plans to open a thrift store in Hermitage.

"There's no date for that," said Capt. Kevin Schoch of the Erie center. "We're still working on a lease agreement."

The new Sharon store can be reached by calling (724) 347-7443.