Some treasures at Family Store can’t be bought
The Williston Salvation Army Family Store (pictured) is a special place where many treasures can be found. Vintage coats, antique china, vinyl records and name-brand clothing are often spotted in the mix of merchandise.
However, there is a different type of treasure that is more deeply hidden than these types of items. This other kind of treasure is more valuable and cannot be purchased. It is the people who experience hope, blessings and provision from the Williston Salvation Army – including not only our customers, but the people to whom we give free store items.
One of these treasures is a man we’ll call “Ben.” Right before Christmas, Ben arrived at our Family Store with a voucher we gave him for free clothing and a travel bag. Ben was waiting with these items in the checkout line, with an excited look on his face.
When it was Ben’s turn at the front of the line, he looked as if he was about to burst with excitement. He began to share the following story with our thrift store manager, Kathy:
Ben, originally from Georgia, had recently found himself in Glacier Park, Mont., to start a job that he was promised. Unfortunately, when he arrived in Glacier Park, the position was no longer available. Unfamiliar with cold winters in the northern part of the country, he arrived with only shorts and a t-shirt. Cold, alone, and without money, Ben was stuck.
With no other options, Ben found a doorway to curl up into to try to get some sleep and shelter from the wind and cold. Hours later, someone found him. Unsure if he was dead or alive, they tried waking him up. Ben did not move or wake up. This person immediately called 911. Thankfully, Ben was alive.
The person was familiar with the Williston Salvation Army. The person didn’t know what resources were available to Ben locally in Montana, but they knew that if they could get him to Williston, help was available. Quickly, that person helped Ben with transportation to travel to Williston.
Immediately after arriving in town, Ben came straight to the Williston Salvation Army. He met with a caseworker and was given a voucher to the Salvation Army Family Store for warm clothing and a travel bag. He also received transportation assistance to help get him back home to Georgia.
Ben was amazed at the kindness, attention and assistance he received from the Williston Salvation Army. He was thankful to return home, where he would not be homeless and cold. He was no longer stuck. He was rescued.
Ben was so amazed by his experience with the Williston Salvation Army that he couldn’t help but share his gratitude with anyone who would listen.
We are proud to serve Ben and the many other people who receive Family Store items as part of Salvation Army assistance programs.
Please join the Williston Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.