“Doing the most good,” that’s the motto of the Salvation Army and that’s exactly what it’s doing here in Selma.

After a three-year absence, the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 524 Broad St., has opened its doors once again.

The store officially reopened Monday, providing gently used apparel and various other household items to the community for a low price.

Employee Angela Bowman said she was surprised by how many people came out to shop at the store Monday.

“There were a lot of people here,” Bowman said. “I wasn’t really expecting that many people to show up, it was a very good crowd.”

Lining the isles of the store were clothes for adults and children along with shoes, hats and various other items.

Maj. Steve Welch said a lot of preparations were made for the reopening including extensive cleaning and redecorating.

“We started preparations for the new store a couple of months ago,” Welch said. “Getting all these fixtures put back in and everything organized has been the bulk of the work.”

Another thing that took time was finding people to work at the store, Welch said. Before the reopening a manager, truck driver, cashier and several dedicated volunteers were needed.

“Once we got those people on board, we knew we were ready to go,” he said. “We also had to get several new racks because when they closed [the store] they weren’t necessarily considering to reopen it.”

Welch’s wife, Maj. Mary Welch, said several donations have already been made, but more is still needed for the new store.

“People can just come buy and drop donations off in bags and boxes,” Mary said. Preferred drop off times are during store hours, which are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Gently used, clean items will be accepted.

Steve said several people in the community have expressed their gratitude for the store’s return.

“A lot of people have said how they’re happy to see it opening back up,” Steve said. “I’m excited for this to be back.”

For more information and to make donations, call 872-1646.