The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

Mike Kocher

2023-12

I hope someone there is listening because this is a big problem with your clothing. You guys use a punch gun with much thicker plastic threading than most thrift stores. That’s not a problem if you are punching it through the tag or somewhere that isn’t going to be noticeable. I can’t tell you how many items that are left with a very obvious hole because people just punch it wherever they feel like. Through the collar, back of the shirt, it’s terrible. There’s no reason if there is a hang tag you cannot punch it through there so you’re not puncturing the actual fabric and leaving a hole. I almost wish you guys would go back to stapling the tags on. At least when you removed the staple, it did not leave a noticeable hole. I’ve enclosed two photos. The first is the wrong way. Using a punch gun right through a leather collar leaving a very noticeable hole. The second photo is the way you guys need to be doing this all the time. Through the hanging tag only. On the positive – you guys have really cleaned up your stores over the past five years. Prices are quite a bit higher than most other thrift stores, but if you have the patience, you can still still find great stuff for a decent price.

Tyler Shepard

2024-01

Should be more grateful, sorry you had to work. I’ll just bring stuff to Goodwill then, sad because I always tell people to go to Salvation Army because they donate more money to people that need it than Goodwill does. But at-least Goodwill helps you with all the stuff you bring and are nice to you for donating.

Amanda Tallman

2023-07

July 2023 update: Salvation Army will always have a place in my heart, but we don't enjoy coming here much anymore.The clothing prices are higher than Goodwill, but at least Goodwill throws away the trashed items and offers quality. $3.49 across the board (*more* for matching outfits) for stained up kids clothes, hardly any quality items left in the whole store just doesn't make it worth our time. 10 years ago we came to Ankeny for Salvation Army and went to Goodwill if we had time left, but now it's the opposite.Kinda cringy start to finish. The prices are way too high. Way more than garage sale prices, same junk clothing. The new Target items are overpriced, I hate even looking at them. The music stinks. Used to be my favorite chain of thrift stores....never thought I'd see the day Goodwill beat them on prices but they do now.

ScanWrist 4Discount

2023-10

The new management is really making a difference. The customer service is on point. They are extremely considerate and seem to really enjoy their jobs as well as care about their jobs. The items I found were super cool and the selection has really upgraded.

Heather Senarighi

2023-06

The prices have become absolutely ridiculous. I was there today and I saw a used bottle of sunscreen for $11. A broken glass ornament for $3 that should have been trashed. I was going to buy a pair of used women’s booties and they were $14…I can buy them new for almost that price. All your doing with raising prices is losing customers. I feel bad for the employees because they are forced to deal with upset customers when questioned on pricing.

Petee Hardee

2023-05

The place is overpriced and you basically only get a choice of what the employee in the back doesn't want. I bet you her house/apt is full nice stuff unpaid for. This store is suppose to be for a good cause and most of its just taking out the backdoor. Disgusted when I seen it , then heard about it from others. Will never shop there again. Goodwill is right up the street.

Frank Lowery

2023-12

The manger Greg was trying to rip me off 550 for games with no case Greg get a real job stop ripping people off

Jonathan Frana

2023-05

If you enjoy the majority of your thrifting experience to be looking at several copies of things Target couldn’t sell which are priced comparably to if you actually found them on sale at Target, this is your store. Non-Target, donated items are wildly inconsistent in their pricing.This and the Ames location used to be two of the best thrift stores in this part of the state. Alas, something has happened I’m unsure of in recent years, and they both hardly resemble their former selves.The Ankeny Goodwill is a better bet, and in Ames just go to Overflow.

JC Sixtos

2022-05

As soon as I was walking in with daughter, the guy at the register was very kind and gave my daughter a small gift. I thought this small gesture was great! Thanks so much for making us feel welcome to your store!! I will come back!!

Ashley !

2022-05

The staff is awesome but the pricing is awful. They had a plain 12" vase for $15.00, a small wood crate $20.00 and don't even get me started on the clothes. Goodwill has much better and thrift store pricing.

Rebecca of Sunny Brookefarm

2023-10

Always classic or vintage items to see..Clothing selections are in great condition.

Crystalann CB

2019-05

Store has a lot, but the prices are awful. Literally high end garage sale prices are better. Example... While there we saw a tupperware product that is from the dollar tree that they were selling for $2.89...ridiculous. also had lots of items with NO prices, and couldn't get anyone to tell me the price for one of the unmarked items I was wanting. Asked an employee she said she'd find out, went in the back and never came back... And we were there about half an hour. Couldn't even get to anyone else to ask because these only other employee was the only clerk ringing people up while an enormous line of people waited.Don't think I'll be coming back to this location. Especially since their prices are definitely not worth the trip.

Ms. Biz

2020-05

A worker flat out refused to ring me up this evening. Everyone else got to check out and was able to leave with their finds except for me...apparently Salvation Army is doing so well they now turn away a sale of at least $100 for merchandise they paid nothing for. It is my understanding that this is a religious institution as well as a place of business... if that's the case, they are failing miserably at both!I shop in this store regularly, spending thousands annually as a part time reseller. Everyone has always been pleasant and happy to ring me out in the past. I am usually among the last customers in the store, due to my unusual schedule. The store is supposed to be opened for business until 9 p.m. This to me means that I should get to check out, as everyone else in the store did, even if it is 9:02 p.m. The lady that refused to take my money, Nancy, was unbelievably rude to me, I felt as though I was being discriminate against! The whole experience was absolutely RIDICULOUS! I will never step foot in that awful place again, let alone spend another dime there. Save yourself some time, when it comes to this location, just DON'T. GOODWILL is just up the street a few blocks anyway...😉

Doug Zehr

2023-05

Wide variety of merchandise from bicycles to furniture, cookware to books, clothes and toys. The staff is friendly and helpful and the store is clean and well maintained. The store is easily seen from the main road and there is easy access to plenty of parking.

Lana Holt

2019-05

Everyone is so friendly! This store is extremely clean and everything is all lined up in rows which is right up my alley as I'm a neat freak! Great selection of merchandise and priced fairly. The clothes are also clean. Don't be afraid of shopping in a 2nd hand store as you will be pleasantly surprised and walk away with a bargain!

Jenna Provenzale

2023-10

Kimberly is so sweet! I had a great experience donating here! 😊

Crisia Adriano

2023-05

If I could put no stars I would. VERY racist worker, told me I should put my kids on a farm. The minute we walked into the store she immediately warned my children not to touch anything. It’s 2022, we should not be tearing LITTLE KIDS down because of the color of their skin.

Diann Karns

2022-05

Five workers watched me unload a carful of donations. I made at least 6 trips in and out of their drop off door myself, arms full and not one bothered to even hold the door open for me. I asked for help with a couple of heavy boxes and was told, “we can’t help unless it’s furniture.” I was shocked! When I’ve taken things to Goodwill, they have always helped carry things inside the store and said thank you. I was never greeted, helped or thanked at this place. Won’t donate there again.

Nancy Collins

2019-05

I work at this store and I live it. Yesterday a gentleman came in and blessed 2 of our shoppers with $50.00, it was a beautiful thing to see. We appreciate your donations, and the shopping you do. It's all for such a great cause. Stop in and see us. God Bless you all 😁

harold dilley

2018-05

I rate the Salvation Army with five stars with the highest recommendation to the public because the Salvation Army has taught me the most important lesson in the world and that is caring about every man woman and child that come in to any of the Salvation Army stores. They are our customers and the customers always come first. They always get honest answers to all the questions whether it be for something in the store or about salvation. Whenever there need is they will always come first. Amen!!!

Randji Savage

2014-05

Walked in on a whim and was on the hunt for a blk modern dresser. Found a beautiful dresser that was the color I was looking for. Was a custom build piece and was even cedar lined and came with a matching night stand all for $80!!! The kind you need to build yourself in stores like Walmart or Target were around $100 and were made of cheap plywood. I even seen brand new shoes with tags still on them for a low as 3.95 in there. I will be going back to see what else I can find for sure.

tina allen

2023-05

Nice , clean store! VERY pricey these days tho but not outrageous to complaijust more then it used to be

Geoff Morris

2016-05

This is in reply to Nicci's post:Thank you for the positive review Nicci! It has taken a lot of hard work getting this store back into the shape it used to be. We have been in the gradual process or rearranging and organizing our stores. As well as trying to get the pricing back on track. Hope to see you back soon!

nicci labus

2016-05

I love this store !!! I can't stay out of there !! Recently it has gone under new management and I have to say that the store looks amazing and prices seem to be much more reasonable. When I need a break from life or just need some ME time ... This is where you will find me 😇

Virginia Lynde

2023-05

They have done a great job revamping this store. It is a ton cleaner and way more organized. They have also have more updated items than before.

Jackie Ingle-Moughler

2023-05

Prices are a little high concidering everything's donated! Would have shopped longer if I could have used their restroom. 🤦‍♀️

Wesley Cooper

2018-05

I used to love shopping at this store, but recently the prices have shot up. Some of the prices are high then consignment stores in the area. Brand new items are a dollar or two cheaper at Target, so why purchased used?I’m disappointed. This is a Thrift Store-

nsbdrum

2018-05

Prices are a bit higher compared to other stores in the area, but we always find awesome stuff here. In my opinion, the higher prices are worth it considering the great selection.

Regina McGowan

2022-05

The store was very neat, clean and organized. We found a lovely piece of furniture that we were looking for.

Tina Brown

2017-05

The prices are reasonable and I liked the color coded discount every day. I would like to see a better changing area since all it is is a small, one stall, semi broken looking box.