The Tamaqua Salvation Army Corps is gone from the downtown, but a Salvation Army’s Schuylkill Service Center has moved nearby.

Over the past few months, the nonprofit has transitioned from the Salvation Army Tamaqua Corps to a service extension center. The final step of the process was the relocation to the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum.

The service center will help support already existing Salvation Army service units throughout the county.

A news release explained that by relocating, the nonprofit increases its presence from 44 to 51 ZIP codes in the region. Services include emergency financial assistance, including rent, utility, food, clothing, disaster and transient assistance, as well as seasonal programs during the year.

“The Salvation Army Schuylkill Service Center is excited to step into the next chapter and expand its services to continue to support vulnerable communities and individuals in need,” said Rebecca Netznik, Regional Manager for The Salvation Army service extension department. “We are proud to share a space with Tamaqua Historical Society, a community-oriented partner that understands the significance of our programs and our mission.”

The new space is smaller and will no longer accept or process any physical donations of clothing or household items. Citizens can call 1-800-SATruck for a local pick up or take to the Pottsville, Hazleton, or Hamburg Family Stores to donate items.

“For over 100 years, The Salvation Army has been a vital part of the Tamaqua community and the region,” said Dale Freudenberger, Tamaqua Historical Society president.

“This important nonprofit organization has and continues to help people from all walks of life with food, clothing, shelter, financial, mental health and spiritual needs during their most vulnerable and difficult times, disasters and emergencies. They serve a significant part of our region, not only the Tamaqua area. The Tamaqua Historical Society is pleased to partner with them to keep their office centrally located in downtown Tamaqua by sharing our front office area inside the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum.”

The partnership with The Salvation Army Schuylkill Service Center allows the historical society to expand the museum’s visitation hours. The Tamaqua museum is now open to visitors four days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday evenings, from 5-8 p.m.