The Salvation Army USA
Reviews and Complaints

The items in the thrift stores are way to high! These items are donations from the
public and should be priced for the low income people to be able to afford them. They have items priced as if they were being purchased at a retail store, brand new. Something needs to be done about that, it defeats the purpose of having a thrift store. Is there a profit to be made ? A coat for 20.00? A box of dishes 30.00? A pair of boots 20.00? Really people. Think of the needy, they cant afford prices like that!
Thank you and I will close signed disappointed in NM.

I was trying to complete a purchase at my local Salvation Army, upon getting to the register the cashier was friendly and helpful but apparently did not know how to use a chip reader as my card had a chip and he continued to swipe it saying it would not go through. I asked him if his card reader had the option to insert the card to read the chip and he seemed unsure.
Hey proceeded to involve the manager of this location who also tried swiping it so I asked him as well if there was a chip reader and he said yes. He then asked if he had tried inserting the card to which the employee lied and said he did. I watched him swipe multiple times, never once did he insert my card.
I asked the manager politely if he would try inserting it for me to complete my purchase but he refused and gave me my card back saying "it won't work" with no apology. I will not be returning to this location. Horrible service.

I made a pick up appointment the beginning of October or November 14, 2018. At the time I told him I would be donating one dining room table, six chairs and one hutch. I spoke to kris and he repeated it back to me. I got an email last week confirming our appointment. I called on November 13 To confirm it again, and I talk to David and he said oh yes you have a table chairs and the cabinet, ISaid yes and you're all confirmed. He said we will be there between 8 and 11 AM. I waited and no one showed up when I called I spoke to David and he said we don't pick up that kind of furniture. There was no sorry and his voice or remorse or any kind of apology. I counted on that pick up because my new set was coming in this week. I am appaled by the treatment I received By the Salvation Army.

I need help. Please call me back at [protected]. Some of these people are disrespecting and even some of the staff and security officers in charge of this place. I was being harnessed outside by a man when I was trying to sleep in my usual place for years and this happens. I do stay with family members sometimes and friends but they to go through difficult times. So
I have to figure this out on my own sometimes. So I did tired to leave and Stephanie is disrespecting right now. Just cussing me out. The staff just tied to handle but she still disrespecting me.

I have noticed on many occasions that Salvation Army store in Tunkhannock Pennsylvania, goes around with cart pulling all the big mens clothing with the color tags that go on half price, the day before and day of the 1/2 price sale. TY
his leaves no clothing in this department that is 1/2 price. I have donated numerous items and clothing and this practice makes me reconsider donating to your organization.

im melvin thompson from akron ohio i tryed to check myself in the arc program in akron ohio they let guy come back 4 or 5 times to the program but they turned me down to tell me in a bad way to go find services else where do to the fact i now i need help with drugs and alcohol where not perfect at times but when it comes to family issues how can u win i believe i deserve another chance at the arc salvation army in akron ohio i hope some one can help me resolve this issue higher up in the salvation army thank u melvin thompson akron ohio

The Salvation Army / donations spent on officers, not the needy

1 Roanoke, VA, United States Review updated: May 23, 2017
35 comments
Salvation Army, Roanoke:

Salvation Army officers lie about helping others, help only themselves. Here is how:
Corps Officer base salary, free house to live in, free vehicles including all
gas and maintenance, for him and his wife, all Federal, State, and Social
Security taxes paid, all utilities paid, free laptop for each of them, many
meals paid for him and his family, free college tuition for his children at any
university in the country, top of the line cell phone, free medical insurance
for his family, an allowance for each child he has, all life insurance and
retirement paid for. A $ 30, 000 base salary quickly turns into $ 120, 000!
Roanoke also has an Assistant Corps Officer, and he makes about half that
number. All of this is paid for by Roanoke donors.
The Salvation Army claims that 88% of all donations stay local.
However, a very small portion of that actually goes to help people of the
Roanoke Valley. The division that covers Roanoke includes over 30 local Corps.
Multiply the above dollar amounts by 30, and you will see that the largest
portion of donations goes to take care of the officers and their families, not
the needy. This division has about 12 officers at its headquarters in
Washington, DC. They make more than local officers. There are over 40
Salvation Army divisions in the United States. For most of the time that I was
at the Roanoke Salvation Army, most of the people who came to us for help were
turned away and told that "no funds were available." It is not hard to
understand why. And they got rid of me to save money. Increased giving means
more money for the officers to use for themselves. Also, for the five Christmas
seasons I spent at The Salvation Army, all Christmas Kettle donations went to
division headquarters in Washington, DC, none of them stayed in Roanoke. That was around one
million dollars for the five years. Part of it went to pay for extravagant
Christmas parties for all Virginia officers and their families. They all spent
one week at The Kingsmill in Williamsburg. Donating to The Salvation Army is a
bad idea. The officers are ###. The Salvation Army motto is "Doing the Most Good." It should read
"Doing the Most Good for the Officers." This is only the tip of the iceberg. There is much more. Please feel free to
share this information with others. Thanks.
It is still happening now in 2018 but it is even worse because they are not getting the big donations they used to receive so they are shifting the proceeds to salvationist workers in their administrations offices, many of which are either relatives (sons and daughters or members of their congregations) who virtually have no real education or experience in high ranking positions and "reorganizing" their departments to lay off non salvationist workers who actually do have the expertise. And the horrific thing is many of them have been loyal to the company for 20, 30 years. In the eastern area they even had a salvationist prayer meeting at their camp (it is shown on their facebook page for greater new york saying how "We Sheild Our Family" Yes their own who follow this religion.
And yes it is very apparant now that the donations from normal citizens who think they give 90% to the poor are being mislead because stastically they put down the church ministries as part of the money going to the poor. VERY MISLEADING. In essence many donations the average person or organization give thinking it is for charity is IN REALITY supporting their religion. Their message disclaimer about being a christian organization there to give to all according to christ indiscriminitaley has left out their founder's William Booths full philosophy which is documented in any books about him that his mission was to convert all to Christ, But one cannot preach and reach any one who is sick hungary or homeless. So even in their giving there is an ultimate secretive objective: conversion.
I have worked with them for many years and was naive to think that the support of the officers immense and expensive houses, their very expensive cars their own insurance policies which are much much better and more inclusive than any of the non-religious employees came from the support of their church members which I had been led to believe tithed. It was hard to be sure until the donations started to dwindle then it became apparent who had been chosen to sacrifice not the officers or the god fearing salvationist congregation but their devoted employees and services to those in need. They will claim that had to reduce staff and services due to lack of donation money but we all know now that it is being diverted to the upkeep of their churches and no and absoulutely noo sacrifices have been made by them. I believe there is lying on the annual reports to show that the donations are going to their programs and services because upon reviewing many of them it seems evident that they consider their church as part of those programs that unsuspecting donors are supporting.

I've been to this location for years with my family, and today I have never felt so disrespected. I went to the store with my dad and heard how the workers were speaking to him, and the faces they were making towards him. When asking a question my dad received a snobby one word answer, however when other customer continued to ask about the same thing my father was; she got a whole conversation out of it.

I was in the Salvation Army store in Jacksonville NC (near the Diary Queen and DMV) on Saturday October 27th with a few friends. We had found some items ang bought them. One of the shirts I had grabbed didnt have a tag so the cashier said due to policy they couldnt sell it but it had to be retagged on the Monday coming up. Well I said ok that is fine. I work until 7 pm on Mondays and today (October 30) I left my internship early in order to get there before 6 pm because I really liked the shirt. Well traffic was thick and I finally rushed my way there arriving at 5:57 pm. Yes I know it was close to closing and normally I would not even try to go in but I have a busy schedule and I was only going in for the one shirt I picked out Saturday. As I walk in, there are two ladies working and one older man checking out. Very rudely they told me they were closed. I asked if they closed at 6 pm and they said yes so i said it isnt 6 yet. One of the ladies rudely told me that i was not allowed to come in and look because they were closed. I said I got off early from work and rushed here to pick up a shirt I had found on Saturday. The man who was checking out said "go ahead they should let you get the shirt". Then one of ladies said no we are closed. So I walked up to the rack to see if I seen it and didn't. The man was waiting as I walked out because one of the ladies made a rude comment about locking the door. I told the man that I would never come back and that is was ridiculous how they treated me and he agreed with me. I never complain because I understand people have long and rough days but this was very rude and it does not help the salvation army's reputation. I will never shop there again and I will tell others about this experience. I would really suggest that these ladies be spoken to about their customer service and attitudes. Because I am pretty sure that they did not exhibit the attitude that the salvation army strives to provide. I will also be calling the phone number to report this as well. I truly hope some action is taken in regards to this manner

I arranged for a pick-up and it was supposed to be today. My husband stayed home all morning and early afternoon waiting for the pickup and when the driver got there he refused to take the 2 sofas that I was donating. One sofa is like new - it was a living room sofa and we NEVER used it. The other was used more often but was clean and certainly good enough to provide someone in need with a furnishing. It appeared that the driver just didn't want to move the furniture. This is not a good reflection on what you claim to do in helping others and I will not donate to Salvation Army again or recommend Salvation Army to anyone. You make it so difficult to do good. What a shame.

D. Glakas

I set up a furniture pick up on 10/15/2018 which had set up a pick up date for 10/27/2018. The pick up # 1119902 from route: 0104. I explained in the notes that it was a large sectional couch with 4 pieces and up and a large Entertainment Center that was very heavy.
Saturday a little after 5:00 pm a truck did show up but is was already full. The driver and companion were apologetic and said we would have to set up another appointment. I called the number on the receipt right after and was told the office was closed and that I was not the only person that evening to call with the same problem.
When I called this morning I was told that the next available pick up would not be until Nov 6th. I explained we already had our new furniture delivered later that same day and that we had everything pilled up. I was told I would receive a call back from a manager (tracy) later to talk to me about a resolution.
I was called back by a gentleman who explained that I would have to wait until Nov. 6th until all my pick up. I explained that why did I have to wait if I had explained in the notes the size and amount of my donation would they have sent a full truck? He could not answer my question. I told him I was very upset and did not understand why they could not pick up some time this week. I could hear a lady in the background screaming and complaining about me and that I just wanted to complain, etc. I am assuming it was "tracy" who should have called me back in the first place but had the time to yell and scream.
I felt for the gentlemen on the phone as he tried to talk to me in a calm voice. I told him I would be making a complaint today and to NOT pick up my donation.
To me this is poor planning and with two weeks ahead of pick up date this should not have happened. Plus, to learn that I was not the only person but happens more often than I would believe makes the situation almost worse. It was frustrating enough to have to make another appointment but to be told to wait another two weeks and have someone scream in the background was beyond unprofessional! I had neighbors ask me on Sunday how it went as they too were thinking of donating but I sadly had to tell them I would never call Salvation Army again.

Store on 558 greenwich avenue
Warwick, RI 02886
The new manager in training Katelyn was asked by a lady in line why the 2nd register wasnt open. She said she isnt allowed to use it. My mother an myself got into line. Mind you the line is really long people have been waiting15 20 minutes so far. One young cashier on while this so called manager just stands next to her bagging. ( incase your not familiar with how Salvation Army is run in Rhode Island but they recently added two registers to each of our stores to bring down the wait time for people on a Wednesday which is Family Day so half price day for us here) me and my mom spoke up and asked her again why cant you open the 2nd register. She said that the person was at lunch and she couldn't use the register so I said but you're a manager which means you are trained to use the register and in a case where you don't have enough staff because people that called out it is only fair that a manager get on the register to bring the line down when you have several people complaining that the register isn't open. she proceeds to say that it is against the rules and that she's not allowed to touch the registers only her Associates are allowed to use the register that she is a manager in training and she can't use it. I asked her then how are you a manager and you're the only one in the store right now that can use the register because your other person is at lunch I also said you know what the Wednesday which is a very busy day if your person goes to lunch at 12 and you have a line out the door then you should get out of register you sign in you sign your name you rang a couple people get them out the door you sign your name you sign on the little slip to get out of the register if that person has to take their lunch at that time then you should have another cashier available because she didn't she had one of the person in the back room who isn't allowed to use the register because she is just like a volunteer and she was the only other one in the store besides the girl that was already ringing so she's the only manager and only other person that can use the register so instead she laughed and me and my mother when I tried to say if you're here and there's no one else you should be able to use the register that's what you're you know you're here for why are you a manager if you can't manage the store. I thought it was very inappropriate that she would laugh at a situation like this and then she Not only was messing up the girl was trying to ring us but had to then void it out and redo it because she wouldn't stop giving her the wrong prices so Not only was she not allowed to use the register she didn't even know the own prices in her store so why is she a manager if she cannot manage her store whether she is new or not she has been there for a couple of months she should know the job by now she's the only one that hasn't run this store the way that it should be there have been some in the past that have been great the assistant manager is absolutely wonderful but she was not there that day I just feel as an employee of Salvation Army that she shouldn't have laughed and thought it was funny that you have a line going out the door and you're not allowed to use a register so why is this person who is supposed to be a manager not allowed to use a register if there is nobody else available is that company policy is that only in Rhode Island I would like to know if it's just because she's a training manager I don't really understand but the whole point of having two registers it so that on a busy day like a Wednesday you can get people out the door. I feel that she should be written up just for the mere fact of laughing it wasn't cute it's not funny in any way and something should be done. Me and my mother go there every week sometimes twice a week I've been going there a long time I've never had any issues with anyone else in the store except for this one person so I don't know if she doesn't know how to deal with people properly or how to really be management but I would just like to say that everybody else in the store that works there are very nice so maybe another manager would be a little more appropriate if they were a little older and she is only in her twenties.

Thank you for taking the time out to response to my request.

I'm a surviving victim of domestic violence. Im currently residing at the Salvation Army in O'Fallon, MO.

We have attempted to report many issues reguarding this shelter and no one will listen. Im not sure if the other shelters has the same issues because I was told since Im already in one they couldn't help me find another available shelter.

We are constantly being mentally abused and was told we dont have no where to go, therefore have no right to complain. Stated by head staff, Juanita Nelson.

They have had at least 10-15 ppl come in and gone by morning, since I arrived. They suppose to help find housing but they create issues and never get to correcting the reason why you are here.

When we tried to talk to the person over her, she stated, "they gotta get through me first." When grievances are written, she handles them instead.

All issues start and stop with Ms. Juanita Nelson, Shelter Manager. She yells and talks down to women. She has never made a positive statement towards or about anyone during my stay here.

We have a handbook and when issues are addressed or try to be addressed, she states, "this is her shelter!"

We are given old, molded, and outdated food and told, "you get what we give you. No special food request for anyone without a doctors note." Also we were told the FDA approved the food they give us. But we're just asking for freshness.

Actaully, I have not eaten dinner for the last 4 days because when I get in from work I have to take a breathalyzer, do my chore, take my night pill, and eat. But they write you up when you arent up at 6am. Even if you get if from work after 10pm at night. If you dont complete your chore you get written up and 3 write-ups and you're out. So I had to cut eating out just to get my chore done which takes and additional 30 mins before you can lay down. Leaving you with maybe 6 hrs or less to sleep every night.

When case plans are discussed they are suppose to be confidential but they do it with door open in front office and loudly and everyone knows everybody business. And they laugh and joke with each other about it in the front office like no one can hear them. But again, everyone is afraid to speak out because they will get put out with no where to go.

There's plenty more issues to name. Can you please advise us who and where we can go to report these issues? We are ready to talk answer ANY questions or concerns you may have. We do not want to be kicked out of the shelter because we are currently trying to put our lives back together.

I can answer questions at anytime, via phone, text, email, or in-person.

Please help us.

Thank you for your time,
"I wish to remain anonymous at this time"
Shauntrice D. Davis
Salvation Army Resident

I have been a loyal fan of the Salvation Army in the Batavia store over the last couple of years the store has gone tremendously downhill there is never new product especially toys they never put new toys out you asked about it and they tell you all we only have one person that can do it you can clearly see in the back room that it is overstocked with toys most recently in the last 2 weeks I've been in there and the same three pair of little boy pants have been hang in there nothing new well they have several employees working they're all standing around gossiping to each other about other employees and customers the store is becoming a joke and I'm very unhappy with it

To whom it may concern : I have been giving to the Salvation Army my entire life, I have encouraged others to do the same, however, the last two times I tried to donate valuable items to the store located on high Street in Auburn California, I have been denied drop off from the employees. I even called first to make sure that it was a drop off day and was told on the phone "no problem to bring everything I had in my trailer". Upon arrival the gentleman at the dock started out immediately saying "I can't take your stuff" I said well, I called and they said it was no problem, he responded rudely with "well I'm not them". The cashier came out and confirmed that they would not take my items even though there was a perfectly good wheelchair and other items that were of great value, however, they didn't take the time to even look, they just denied my delivery... I will never give to the Salvation Army again, nor will I encourage anyone else to do so! The employees at your high Street store in Auburn California should be reprimanded regarding their poor behavior and terrible customer service! I happened to know that the Salvation Army thrives on donations, well if you have your employees refusing to except them you got a serious problem! Have a nice day! Dan

I asked for the key so my little sister could go to the bathroom and the lady at the register said they were out of service. This has happened several times the past few times that we have been here been here. And whenever it is open the bathrooms are dirty and disgusting. With pee all over the seat and the floors are nasty. The employees are very rude whenever you ask for their help as well. Like for the dressing room key or bathroom key.

I purchased a bike while temporary employed thru an agency. I was unable to pickup bike for 3 week's. I have since gone back and was told my bike was sold. Managers Miriam and Sharon says to contnue calling until they get more. There is more bike's however they're being sold to other's. Is this the stores policy? If this isn't resolved soon I am preparing a boycott of this Store immediately.

I called to get some of our office furniture picked up (that we use everyday) and the guy how showed up by him self with no helper said they didn't take that kind of furniture, I'm honestly thinking he just did not want to move it by himself, please see attached photos of furniture, you cant tell me that there are not people that could put this to good use, or does salvation army only take things (FOR FREE ) that they know they can make more money from.

Last thursday Sept 27 I was found in bed. Apparently I was on conscience I do not remember much but Salvation Army called the hospital and an ambulance took me away I am still in the hospital but in the last 3 days I was discharged from the program with no place to go and I'm not in a state of my dinar physical health to be in the streets by myself they could have placed me somewhere I did not. In addition to that I'm in the middle of the culinary program I grow and I'm extremely confused and Afraid with what I'm going to do certainly I will end up sick again !My name is Judy Roxy Chimelis at the United States California Bell shelter for men and women

I've called every month to get some help with my utility bill and when I gave them my personal information and told them that I have a shut off for my bill. I got a call back and was told that there not going to help me only if I had medical bills. How is a medical bill going to help me if I have a shut off notice and my family and I will have NO LIGHTS? What happened to helping those in need?
Troup county sucks and Salvation Army only help those who is less fortunate.. it's sad to know you can't get the help ! Especially from them ...