08/25/2026
Meridian welcomes new Salvation Army officer during community meet-and-greet
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The Salvation Army plans to reopen its thrift store in Meridian at a new location, according to the organization’s new local officer, Major Holly Needham.
Needham provided the update Thursday as The Salvation Army of Meridian hosted a meet-and-greet to introduce her to the community.
The Salvation Army thrift store closed several months ago, prompting questions from community members about whether and when it would return.
“I know there are plans for us to reopen the thrift store,” Needham said. “It won’t be in the same location. It will be in a different location, and we’re currently in the works of finding a new location.”
Needham did not announce a location or reopening date Thursday.
The update came as Needham begins her new role with The Salvation Army of Meridian. Community members were invited to Thursday afternoon’s event at the organization’s 25th Avenue location to meet Needham, tour the facility and discuss her hopes for serving Meridian.
“I want the people of Meridian to know that I’m excited to be here, really excited to be here in Meridian, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Meridian and serving the community,” Needham said.
Needham was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer and ordained as a minister in June 2002 after completing a two-year program at The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training in Atlanta.
An Atlanta native, Needham earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Her Salvation Army service has included assignments as a corps officer in several cities as well as roles in youth and family ministries. Her assignments have taken her as far as Dundee, Scotland. She most recently came to Mississippi by way of Atlanta.
Needham said one of her goals in Meridian is to continue growing the church and make it a welcoming place for people who do not currently have a church home.
“I’d love for the people of Meridian who don’t have a church to attend to know that this is a place they can come,” Needham said. “It can be comfortable. They will be accepted, whatever walk of life they are on, whatever spiritual journey they are on. We’ll be a welcoming place for them to come.”
The Salvation Army of Meridian holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. at 1115 25th Ave.
Needham said the organization’s work in Meridian will continue to center on its broader mission of serving people in need.
“The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human need in the name of Jesus Christ,” Needham said.
Needham said she is looking forward to building relationships with residents, donors, community partners, staff and volunteers as she settles into her new role.
The Salvation Army of Meridian can be reached at 601-483-6156 for information about its programs and services.
The Salvation Army - Meridian, MS