The Salvation Army USA
Reviews and Complaints

I feel as a not-for-profit organization that has all items donated for free your stores should be willing to accept any amount of money that people are willing to donate. I was ready and willing to donate money to your store on North Avenue and Bloomingdale Road in Glendale Heights. However I was informed that I could not purchase an item in your store because there was no price tag. Furthermore I am offended because I feel as though I was being treated as a Criminal by your staff members when it is not my duty as a consumer to provide price tags for your retail items. In the future I feel it would benefit your organization to better educate your staff members to make sure that they price all items that are for sale in your store if that is the policy that your company would like to enforce. I sincerely hope that the Salvation Army can continue to donate to those in need however I do not hold out much hope that your company will remain in business if you continue to refuse donations in this manner.

My mother and I when in into the Salvation Army thrift store in gloversville N.Y. She had bought a heavy table when we went up and payed for it we asked the lady that had cashed us out if some would be able to help us carry the table out she had told us their is a person at the back door that would help us so when we get back there we had asked for help the lady told us that they could not help us cause they where not allowed cause if they got hurt So i said to her that's not right then I looked to my mother and siad what happens when we fall trying to carry this cause of all the ice we had walk across in their parking lot and the same lady's said it's not their problem Why is there no help there. There was over 8 workers and not one would help and why are they not allowed to help their customers ?

My father-in-law and I struggled to get an amazing Pottery Barn Kids bureau in perfect condition to the Salvation Army location at 536 west 46th Street between 10th and 11th avenues. After carrying this item there by hand, Manager Nick and staff refused to accept any furniture. They basically only wanted to accept clothing in order to save space on their truck. The salvation army should put this information on their website and not waste their donators time and energy. We felt great about this donation and were proud of our efforts, only to be told to take this bureau home.

Existing the building where I work an employee for the Salvation Army say to me you walk by every day without putting anything in the kettle I take it your selfish and continue to insult me in front of my employees. I then ask his name he refuse to give. I work at the Daley center in Chicago loop. This isnt healthy behavior for someone who representing the Salvation Army. I feel disrespected and upset with this matter that took place! He's on the corner of Dearborn & Washington!

I was in the meadville pa thrift store when they said they were closing in five mins. I was asked to go check out so I went and waited in line for ten mins when I got told they could not check me out because I it was after nine. They had one register open and it was taking the cashier and average of ten mins per customer. Me and another lady were told we couldn't purchase our things because she had to lock the door. I mean honestly there was two of us if the manger that was telling us this would of helped the cashier we would of all been checked out by nine but instead she just stood there doing nothing.

I live in Knoxville TN and I went to the salvation army on 409 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN, 37917 to ask about a bell ringing job. Luckily it was the day that they do the interviews. So I filled out the app and they asked about my criminal history, I told them it would take some explaining so they told me to write it on the back of the app, come back the next day and she would talk to me about it. Well I brought it back and they had me leave it on the desk and said they would call me back. Well, its been over a week with no call so I went in to ask what was going on and the lady who does the hiring refuses to even speak to me. I'm homeless and broke now because I was really counting on that job and they screwed me. Everyone but me was given work. I thought the salvation army was supposed to help people like me.

I donate and buy serveral items, at many Salvation Army's, After not getting anywhere talking to at least 3 managers I'm hoping this will help solve ''this frustrating problem. I have read several reviews about Salvation Army and this is occurring in many states not just Pa. & NY & Myrtle Beach SC. They staple the price tag any where on the clothing which creates holes in the clothing by the metal staples and ruins the clothing. Why cant they use things that retail stores do to price items? Why pay for an item when it's destroyed before you even wear it ? Please change the way you price items nationwide!

I visited the salvation army on portage road in kalamazoo mi on 11/18/2016 around 7-8pm. I bought 5 items of clothing the cashier told me the total was 21 dollars. I tried to pay with a visa card but they told me I couldn't use my visa card because it was a gift card. The cashier was nice and friendly and held my clothes for me because I told her I would be back as I went home to get another form of payment. I returned 20 minutes later and encountered a different cashier. She said she had to re-ring the items. She re-rang the items and said the total was 24.27 with my student discount. I asked her why the total was different and she just said the other cashier must have rang it up wrong and there was nothing she could do about it. She wasn't nice and wouldn't even apologize or anything for there mistake. I brought the visa card back and asked her if she could try and run it because I've used it there before and didn't have a problem. It went through fine and it worked the last time I used it there. She wouldn't even try and run it. She just kept saying she wouldn't try it because she was positive it wouldn't work. I asked her why and she wouldn't give me an answer she just kept saying gift cards wouldn't work I kept telling her it wasn't a gift card it's a credit card. She was rude and not helpful. She was very short with me, kept interrupting me while I was trying to talk to her and wouldn't listen. I visit salvation army often and have never had a problem or been treated rudely. Every other employee I've interacted with has been very nice and helpful except her. The name on the receipt said Stacey as the cashier. Stacy isn't very nice. She was standing next to the first cashier I encountered. It seemed as if she was training her which makes me wonder why the totals were different when she was right next to the first cashier. I will still visit salvation army despite the rude way I was treated I just hope Stacey has a better attitude or not there when I return. I like the store and appreciate how nice and helpful the other employees are. If you would like to speak with me my name is Kendra S and my number is [protected]. My email is [protected]@gmail.com if that works better. Thank you for your time.

Capt justin windell of the laporte core told me I couldnt use my walker while ringing bells unless I have a dr note... Also when I gotpicked up from my spot at kablens on andrew ave by his father in law we almost got hit 3 times on the way back to the core in the rental bus. I asked the capt to have him pick me up instead and he swept it under the rug... And he is trying to say that his father in law drives fine... I dont want 2 ride with his father in law ever again... Please either change captians or have his fatherin laws driving rights 2 drive the bus taken...

Today 11-14-16..It was blue tag day and I had one item that had a blue tag...While I was at the check out...I was told by the lady that she couldn't sell me the jacket I was trying to buy. She said the reason why she couldn't sell it to me because the tag looked tampered with. Even though I know I had not tampered with the tag... I just put the jacket back and left the store. If she felt it was an issue she did not even try to get a price check on the item or nothing. I have been a faithful Salvation Army Shopper and have never tried to steal or get over on any of the employees. But I was very hurt by this. My name is Shon and my email addrrss is [protected]@aol.com if you need to discuss further

The Pleasant Hill location no longer has mirrors for customer use while shopping (outside of the two fittings rooms). So if you just want to hold a shirt up to yourself to see how it might look, you have to wait until a fitting room opens up. If you just want to try on a jacket, wait until a fitting room opens up. This is VERY inconvenient. When I asked the employee about the lack of mirrors inside the store, she replied, "That's what the fitting rooms are for". I put down my intended purchases and left the store without spending any money.

The lack of any kind of shopping basket is very inconvenient as well. So if i want to buy a few dishes, or whatever, I have to carry/juggle everything around with me while I look at other items. Doesn't make me want to stay and shop when I have to try to not drop everything, or have no free hand to pick something up.
Thie lack of shopping baskets seems to be an issue at most Salvation Army stores.

Get it together, Salvation Army, it's not that complicated.

Bought a piece of furniture of there. Store #2 and only can pick up after 6:30 in evenings generally they say but have never reinforced it pick up in 3 days it was 3 days after the pick up I came in and saw my piece gone the new manger Jeremy sold it right underneath me to someone else no phone call to me nothing! I'm out my money no store credit or refund but at least a phone call would of been nice I've seen this manger bad mouth customers waiting in line telling the cashier to watch out for those sisters they always want to rip us off and the customer in front of me turned around and was like omg! He fired employees and I've been in the store hearing him talking to people about why he's fired them so unprofessional and disrespectful! I've talked to some regulars that won't go there because of him now so they are losing business now and he tells people one last paid 20.00 for shoes she said good thing I didn't price them I would of prices them for 200 there Italian ! Who's gonna buy 200 shoes from sal's! She was embrassed it's not like he's getting a commionsion on what he's selling why is he so greedy! Last I knew salvation army was community based to help the community if he's not for helping people which it's very clear he's not someone high up really needs to look into his work ethinics practices they are not for the people of the community! I have called his boss a few times in Worcester major Lisa and have not heard back from her to address these concerns but would appreciate it if I did!

Tonight Friday, November 3, 2016 at approximately 6:00pm I went to my local Salvation Army Thrift store at 453 N Krome Ave Florida City, FL 33034. I went to try on some clothing at 6:30pm as I heard an announcement at 6:55pm that the store would be closing at 7:00pm. As I brought my clothes to the register the Mexican girl on register duty told me that if I was using my card my purchase minimum needed to be 5 dollars as I had sale items, my total was 4.23 so far. As I went to look for something else I could actually use I informed by the Mexican young lady that they were closing. I asked her if I could hold the clothes until the morning and come back to find something and she said No. The store manager came behind her and said the lights go out by a certain time and I needed to leave, she then said didn't I bring cash. I told her No, I just had my card and the Mexican girl chuckled. I continued to look and the Manger said Ms we are closing you really need to leave. I said, if I can't hold my clothes until the morning then you need to allow me time to get something. She said well I am the manager and as a courtesy I will hold your things but you need to be here by 10am tomorrow morning. I said I will. I then said I would have been gone sooner if you said that sooner and she said it's not that serious. I said yes it is. I asked her what her name was and she said Velva. She told me the Mexican girls name at the register to because I asked but I didn't quite get it, it sounded like Reshea. My grandparents were both Brigadiers in the Salvation Army. Lebert Bernard and Valcina Bernard and dedicated their life to service. It's a shame I have to an organization that is an extension of their great work and be met with employees that have no idea what the organization stands for!

Sometimes I wonder if they truely forget that all this stuff they are putting these high prices on was given to them by the community.I went into Bellingham WA store off of Northwest Ave today and purchased about $40 worth of items that I paid cash for.2 hours later we had a family emergency come up and we needed that cash back.So we went to make the return and the two haggard old ladies that work in there were rude.On a scale of 1-10 of rudeness they didn't even register.Awful customer Service.Im calling corporate office Monday.

Den of thieves. I was a beneficiary at the Salvation Army a while back, but was kicked out for talking to my girlfriend who was struggling with wanting to use and I found that more important than to follow the rules. Before I left I witnessed so many things that if the public really new what was going on with their donations they would never donate again. I was there when the Warehouse Mgr of 16 years was fired because he stole over 1.5 MILLION dollars. He was not alone the big guy also stole and the retired lady stole and they still do. The old lady who nobody likes and old man who work in the stores are as evil as they come and both have had their hands in the kettle. I have seen and had them treat me and employees so badly. They will run you off if you are not liked by them. They will lie and deliberately set you up. The other store Mgr has played the role of slut. She has dated 1 beneficiary and now lives with another one who too was kicked out. She will tell you lies but I speak the truth. When is it ok to screw around with the beneficiary? This Mgr also steals from the store I have helped load things into her car that she never paid for she also lets customers steal. The new Majors are a joke and really the Albuquerque Salvation Army should just close I was in the Silver store and was really upset when I heard that a true good person was fired. That's why I am telling you and anyone else that this place is a DEN OF THIEVES. As for me I finished my program and my girlfriend and I are doing great. I have made it my mission to expose this place for all it is. Doing the most good is for the people who work there. They don't care about anyone but themselves. DON'T DONATE A PENNY!

On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., Under the rain, I went to get help with food. Last month, August, I arrived approximately 2:30 p.m. It was entirely a waste of my time to drive 15 minute to get help for food. There were no food available. Everything was gone, gone, gone. I asked myself if they even care of others that were on line waiting for their turn to get food. I guess not. Those people were told to take as much as they wanted.

Well, this month, I decided to come early under the rain as I stated before. I was thinking that I will be able to get more this time since I was there early.
Surprisingly, not was the case. I was told that I was only allowed to take 1 item from a table of 5 items. It was going to be a limited about of food. I explained what happen last month and they said that we need to leave food for the rest of the people. It wasn't fare that I had come so early to be mistreated by the Salvation Army staff.

The staff was great in letting us get the food at 12 p.m. Because it was raining. But, the staffs are not consistent on the amount of food the people should get. Why not have them bagged the food for us? I can avoid all the headache in coming early or later.

The quality of the food were inferior. The lettuce, squash, carrots and other produce were getting ready to spoil. The meat is old. Why are you giving us old food? Are you trying to kill the community?

Last year, we a great year with the Salvation Army food help. What happened this year? I'm so clueless. Your supposed to help people and not send them to the hospital with food poison.

I hope to receive better food quality next months to come.

God Bless.

The week of 8/22/2016, I went into the local salvation army to see about help on an electricity bill and the woman that was there "helping" people was a little less than helpful. This isn't the first time that I have had issues with this woman, but I can assure you that it will be the last because I am going all the way up the ladder with this one. I read her card and it said her name was Sharon West. From the start she had a snobby attitude with me, like she was too good to deal with my problem. She never once smiled, she just gave orders to me and then raised her nose up at me. I hope that her boss sees this and if he or she doesn't, I will take it to a Corporate level. I have never been so embarrassed and mistreated in my life!

I was always thankfully for Salvation Army but since a year now I can't even afford to bye the things I need anymore it's like a high end antik store ., I'm so sad I can't spend 3 to 400 $ for a sofa and that is the cheapes one a chair for 175$ a little pillo for 39 $ this was all from donated to help the ne who can't go Macy's or ikea now it's even more expensive then there, I ask the manager on Geary street in San Francisco she told me hey we have to get our paycheck lots off people work here, , , I told her hello it's all donation to help people in need ok I can't even get a simple item here it's market 125 $ for a garden table, I'm sorry I will never ever go there no more and il tell others that it's not helping people no more it's being greedy I'm sorry I'm very hurt because it was my place to go to if I'm in need,

I was referred to the salvation army by my case manager at a family shelter that I was living at. I needed assistance with my first month rent and security deposit. I was contacted and assigned a date to come in. From my referral date until now it's been about four months and I still have not received the deposit they promised me a mth ago. Why?

This occur on june 25, 2016 we was schedule to have stuff picked up.. And they never show up nor call nor email. Its sad that you giving stuff away and they play like this. We are a military family trying to support a families in need. With a lot of household stuff and lots of food.