When a blue and red stripe appeared on the outside of a new building being constructed in Saratoga Springs, Utah, many residents of the area knew exactly what it meant: Deseret Industries was coming to town. Now, after nearly three years of construction, preparation, and anticipation, the forty-sixth DI location is about ready to open its doors.
“We receive calls every day asking when the store and donation center are going to open,” says Nephi Carter, store manager of the Saratoga Springs DI. “People are so excited to have the DI in their community.”
The facility—which houses DI, Family Services, Development Counseling Services, and Employment Services—will be dedicated on September 14 by Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. An adjacent building with a bishops’ storehouse and home storage center will also be dedicated during the ceremony. The new DI store will then open to the public on the morning of September 15.
As a rapidly growing community, Saratoga Springs is an ideal spot for a new DI store. The building sits at the center of a bustling retail area within the city, making it a convenient location for individuals looking to shop for affordable goods, donate their gently used items, obtain a job, or volunteer to help at the store.
Many people are familiar with DI’s role as a thrift store and donation center, but the main purpose of DI is to serve as a job training facility. DI associates work under the direction of a job coach, whose role is to provide important training and help employees prepare for future work opportunities. Other resources available to DI associates include:
Upon completing the DI job training program, associates at the Saratoga Springs location will specifically be prepared for positions in retail, production, and customer service. Some will also receive on-the-job training to become certified for other skills, such as operating a forklift. Through education assistance, many employees will pursue and obtain certifications, degrees, or other training and will be qualified for jobs in construction, trucking, technology, medicine, and other industries.
“As our associates learn to reach for ‘their’ stars, they begin to realize their dreams and goals,” Carter says. “This not only greatly benefits that individual, but also the community as a whole. Deseret Industries truly puts the heart and work into changing people’s lives.”
When does the store open?
Where is the new DI located?
What are the store hours?
What are the donation hours?
Can I donate to the store?
How do I donate?
Can I work at the store?
*Store and donation hours are subject to change. See the Saratoga Springs DI location page to confirm posted hours.