Dumped Donations Cause Problems For Some Local Thrift Stores

Charity and donation leaders advise doing a little research before getting rid of unwanted items during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dumped donations have accumulated at several local Goodwill Stores in recent weeks.

“With bad weather, rain and wind, if people donate your goods and leave them on the sidewalk, it creates problems,” Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Jim Priest said.

Goodwill stores and donation centers are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Goodwill’s mission of helping people find employment is more pressing than ever.

Donors can still help by making a monetary donation through the website.

Career connection services and virtual training is also available through Goodwill’s website and Facebook page.

The Salvation Army is also continuing to serve vulnerable people around Oklahoma City, despite a major financial hit at the stores.

“The foremost people concern is the people for whom the salvation army is home. We have men women and families,” Salvation Army Major Stephen Ellis said.

Sanitary donations like hand sanitizer and tissues, for individuals at the centers are still being accepted at Pennsylvania Avenue and 10^th Street in Oklahoma City.

Unwanted item donations for the Salvation Army stores can be accepted through pickup, by calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

Officials at Habitat for Humanity confirmed their ReStores are still open in Oklahoma. Pickups can also be scheduled.

Vizavance, formerly Prevent Blindness, is not accepting donated items at this time, according to a representative.

Vietnam Veterans of America are not scheduling pickups currently, according to the website.