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Gisele Guerrette, secretary of the board of Salt & Light Community Center, gives a tour Saturday of the organization’s new building including the first day that Lighthouse Shoppe thrift store is open in Auburn. Guerrette said both card and cash payments are welcome at the thrift store at 29 Hampshire St. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
Salt & Light Community Center is seen Saturday at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. The organization took ownership of the 10,000-square-foot building in May but opened its doors this week after getting its occupancy permit. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
Light filters through an art room with many easels and art tools Saturday at the new Salt & Light Community Center. Board secretary Gisele Guerrette said some $83,000 of materials ranging from furniture and wall paint to toys, hobby supplies, fitness equipment and instruments were donated to the center at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn.
A rack of colorful thread is set up in the sewing room Saturday at Auburn’s Salt & Light Community Center, 29 Hampshire St. The room has emerged as a favorite among children participating in programming. The room has five sewing machines and related equipment.
Salt & Light Community Center Director Darlene Conant takes a photo of Bryce Trembly and Santa on Saturday at the new center at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. The holiday event featured free Christmas treats, chances for children and families to play and the grand opening of the Lighthouse Shoppe thrift store.
Santa smiles as Bryce Trembly, 13, pulls up his own chair to sit beside Santa Saturday at Salt & Light Community Center, 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. The event featured free Christmas treats, chances for children and families to play and the grand opening of the Lighthouse Shoppe thrift store.
Multiple drum kits were donated to Salt & Light Community Center for its second floor music room, seen Saturday at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. Themed hobby rooms, including music, art, horticulture, sewing and a gym, are meant to engage children and develop new skills.
Multiple drum kits were donated to Salt & Light Community Center for its second floor music room, seen Saturday at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. Themed hobby rooms, including music, art, horticulture, sewing and a gym, are meant to engage children and develop new skills.
Hunter Taylor, 3, shows off a Lego tower he built Saturday during a holiday event at the new Salt & Light Community Center at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. Kids and families were able to take photos with Santa, see the center’s new space and even take home a free Christmas tree. Trees are still available for free, first come first serve to families in need.
Two upstairs offices are equipped with furniture donated by the Hilton to Salt & Light Community Center, as seen Saturday at 29 Hampshire St. in Auburn. Furniture was also donated to the center’s chapel. These offices are available for lease to the public as a way for the organization to generate operating income and maintain its 10,000-square-foot building.

Libby Kamrowski Kenny is a staff photographer at the Sun Journal who came aboard in June 2025. She’s been in journalism longer than that though, as her prematurely graying hair can attest, starting as...

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