Serving Through Our Own Disaster
The March 13, 2026 thrift store fire affects The Salvation Army of Hagerstown's ability to continue to meet community needs. We remain dedicated to delivering the programs and services that change lives every day in Washington County.
THE SALVATION ARMY OF HAGERSTOWN
MISSION AND PRIORITIES
1. Meet human need in His name without discrimination
2. Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The Salvation Army of Hagerstown
Serving Washington County since 1903
IN FISCAL YEAR 2025
41,938 PERSONS SERVED
IMPROVING LIVES
3,499 SAFE NIGHTS
Lodging to 295 women and children in crisis last year. The only emergency shelter for women and children in Washington County.
27,809 HOT MEALS
Each meal offered care, dignity, and a reminder that no one in our community is forgotten.
1,829 FAMILIES SERVED
1,829 food boxes distributed to Washington County families and individuals . Food on the table, stress eased, and hope restored.
1,979 YOUNG PEOPLE SERVED
A safe place to learn, grow, and belong . 1,777 meals and 2,921 snacks were shared.
231 HOLIDAY FAMILIES
921 individuals enjoyed holiday meals and the Angel Tree. 539 children received toys, clothing, and stockings.
“Watching my kids open those gifts brought tears to my eyes. The Salvation Army didn’t just give my children toys. They gave us hope when we needed it most.”
3,598 ARTICLES OF CLOTHING
The Salvation Army Social Services and Thrift Store are often a family’s first contact with us. Last year, we provided 3,598 articles of clothing through our thrift store to individuals in Washington County.
“The Salvation Army Thrift Store does more than sell donated goods. It turns generosity into real help for people, funding life changing programs and giving hope a second chance in our community.”
OUR DISASTER
The fire started when a battery ignited in the basement storage area. It took four hours to fully extinguish the destructive fire. While most of the fire was contained to the processing and storage areas, much of the building experienced significant smoke saturation, and very few contents, like metal fixtures, were salvageable. Insurance proceeds will fund renovations to re-open the store. A Salvation Army thrift store will be operational by fall of 2026– the start of the new fiscal year.
Insurance did not provide coverage for donated goods or staff compensation. Unfortunately, these circumstances led to the layoff of approximately 15 employees.
SERVING THROUGH OUR DISASTER
Despite the thrift store disaster, our mission and priorities remain and our programs and services continue. The thrift store disaster caused us to delay creation of new programming like a shelter for men experiencing homelessness and the addition of more case management staff.
