The Bangor Rescue Mission thrift store has been closed. I am very sorry about this as I was a regular customer and a friend of the store. Being a mother of two young children, the thrift store was a wonderful source of acquiring clothing for them at a price I could afford.

I am upset with Assistant Fire Chief Frank Dinsmore’s findings: “The place was a mess, total from attic to cellar.” Unture! I had just been to the store a few days before Dinsmore’s inspection and the volunteers were cleaning, sweeping, and sorting the main store….

At least I can agree with one statement Dinsmore made: “I’m real sorry we had to close that store, because it does serve a lot of needy people.” How true! If you could only see the happy face of one poor child who walks out of the thrift store with a used toy or outfit, you would think he was given something brand new. Maybe Dinsmore needs to distinguish between trash or a necessity to those in need.

Increased unemployment has forced a lot of us to take advantage of various charitable organizations, and you will not find a better charity than the Bangot Rescue Mission. I hope the city will find a way to compromise and assist in its reopening. Colleen Veilluex Bucksport