WATERVILLE — This summer marks the 60th anniversary of Marden’s Surplus & Salvage, a Maine business that offers deals to customers on salvaged merchandise at store locations statewide.

The Marden’s family, staff and community partners gathered Aug. 7 to kick off a year of celebrating this milestone and the company’s more than 650 employees, according to a news release from the company.

“We wouldn’t be here without the dedication of our wonderful staff. They are the ones behind the experience of finding an exciting bargain at Marden’s,” co-owner Jake Marden said.

Founded in 1964 by mail carrier and auctioneer Mickey Marden, the business first opened its doors on Main Street in Fairfield. Marden set out to find salvaged merchandise to provide products at surprisingly low prices. He refused to offer the same sales that everyone expected and focused on creating the experience of the thrill of a bargain. Marden negotiated and bought whatever he could sell more affordably than anyone else. Over time, Marden found a steady flow of merchandise from many sources, including store closures, closeouts, damaged and lost freight from trucking companies and railroads, and insurance salvage from nationwide retailers.

Marden’s has grown over the past 60 years to have 13 locations across the state and more than 650 employees. Locations include Biddeford, Brewer, Calais, Ellsworth, Gray, Houlton, Lewiston, Lincoln, Madawaska, Presque Isle, Sanford, Scarborough and Waterville.

Over the years, Marden’s also has established itself as a philanthropic leader in Maine, supporting organizations such as Maine Children’s Home, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Make a Wish Maine, Project Linus, United Way, Kennebec Valley Community College Scholarships, and A Family for ME.

This year, Marden’s and Maine Children’s Home celebrate their 20-year partnership of supporting Maine children in need. In 2004, the Marden’s family and customers began raising money for Maine Children’s Home’s Christmas/Winter Essentials Program, an effort that became the annual fundraiser the Red Stocking Program around 2009. To date, Marden’s and Marden’s customers have raised $786,446 to support the work of the program.

Maine Children’s Home’s Christmas/Winter Essentials Program is the only one of its kind that provides new mittens, gloves, hats, boots, jackets, underwear, socks, a warm outfit, pajamas, toys, books and games to more than 1,100 Maine children whose families are facing financial hardship.

For more information visit mardens.com.