The Disabled American Veterans store in Lubbock, which has been serving the community for more than 50 years and its veterans, is closing down. Owner David Butts cited financial hardships due to the impact of COVID as the reason for closure. Despite being in partnership with the local DAV chapter and providing over $400,000 to Disabled American Veterans, the thrift store has struggled to turn a profit in recent times.
Butts took over the store just two months before the pandemic hit, and was forced to shut down for two months. Since then, business has declined and Butts has made the difficult decision to close the store. Despite his efforts to keep it afloat, he believes it would take a miracle to save it at this point.
The store’s mission is important to Butts who emphasized his gratitude towards those who have served our country. He said that his own father’s military service is why the store is so special to him. With Christmas around the corner, Butts is offering a 50 percent discount on all items at the store and encouraged people in Lubbock community to take advantage of this opportunity before it closes its doors forever.