Salvation Army: Christmas Will Still Happen

The Salvation Army is still picking up the pieces after their Thrift Store Warehouse collapsed Friday. Despite the setback, leaders say they will still be able to bring food and toys to local families this holiday season.

Captain Dan Wilson still isn't sure what caused Friday's collapse. He says he'll soon meet with a building engineer in hopes of getting some answers.

"We basically have to assess the building, the structural integrity," Wilson says.

This building was built in 1972. Over the years, the Mesa County Building Department never had complaints about the building's structural integrity. They don't usually do inspections unless concerns are raised. The Salvation Army is now waiting for the building to be inspected before they can make any decision about whether to rebuild or re-open.

"If it is okay (the building) we will have the operation shut down until we do a thorough remodeling," Wilson says. If the building is not fixable, it could be torn down and rebuilt or the organization could choose to move elsewhere. "We also have been looking at other properties in town were we might go or move into."

Regardless of the buildings fate, the Salvation Army says Christmas will come this year.

"We're still collecting from different food drives and at different stores. We're still collecting toys from different toy drives," Wilson explains.

People who usually work in the warehouse have been assigned to holiday related tasks, from visiting nursing homes to driving trucks and collecting donations.

"This is something that we have to deal with, a little bit of a hurdle to cross. But, we are keeping on going in every other area." Wilson says.

Thrift Stores on 4th Street in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose stores are still open and should not be immediately impacted by the collapse.

The Salvation Army is still accepting applications for this year's Christmas Assistance Program. Applications will be accepted through December 10th. You can apply at the Salvation Army offices at 1155 N 4th Street in Grand Junction:

Monday through Thursday: 9am to 11:30am & 1pm to 4pm.

Friday Only: 9am-11:30am

Evening Hours: Tuesday, November 30 & December 7th from 5-7pm

When applying you must bring: -Picture ID for all adults in the home. -ID for all children living in the home (Birth Certificate, Medicaid Card, School ID, Shot Record or Social Security Card) -Verification of Address (Current Utility Bill or Lease) -Provide information on your income (Food Stamps, Monthly Income, TANIF, etc)

Toys will be provided for children ages infant to 15 -Need to know each child's wish list, clothing and shoe sizes -Children must be in the home all year, not just at Christmas.