Since 2004, the Non-profit organization Defenders of Freedom has connected the community to Veterans and provides donors with the organization they need to support all veterans. It was announced earlier this year that the Galesburg Defenders of Freedom resale shop would be moving into, and sharing space with, the Galesburg Liquidation Outlet on the corner of Main and Henderson in Galesburg. The store had been sitting idle for two years with the closing of the Sandburg Mall. Defenders of Freedom has been in Galesburg since 2011. “It’s really the Defenders of Freedom Veterans Resource Center,” said Bob Spears. “We not only have a resell store, but we also offer resources to people. Veterans are in need of items to live. They need bedding, or furniture, or fellowship. So a veteran can come in and get those free anytime.” He added that without the generosity of the Galesburg Liquidation Outlet owners John Beavers and Dan Summers, the organization wouldn’t be in existence anymore. Spears said they’ve assisted veterans from Quincy to the Quad Cities and from Burlington to Peoria. Anyone is welcome to shop or donate to the resale shop, and all money goes back into the community to help veterans. The Defenders of Freedom Resale Shop and Galesburg Liquidation Outlet is open Fridays from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm.
