"Gently Used"...

As I have mentioned many times, I work at a domestic and sexual violence center. We operate a 24 bed shelter, have legal advocates that help with injunctions, go to court, etc. We provide group and individual counseling, both adult and child. We have a 24 hour hotline, provide training and education to community organizations, law enforcement, medical personnel, whoever requests it.

We are funded through grants, both federal and state. We receive funding from private foundations and donations from individuals. We do fundraisers, boy do we ever do fundraisers...everything from Clam Bakes to Wine Tastings, from Fashion Shows to a Peace Breakfast. That is my job, grant writing and events...Development Director.

Even with all of that, we still would not be able to stay in business without our Thrift Store. Our program participants are able to shop for free at the Thrift Store. We have furniture, household items, clothing, just about anything and everything they would need to start their lives over. Those items are also offered for sale to the public at greatly reduced prices. I have found some great deals there and most of my suits are purchased there.

We have two volunteers who take our truck out in the community to pick up the larger items. We advertise that we accept "gently used" items and furniture in "good condition".

Now, I am not sure what part of "gently used" or "good condition" people don't understand. You would not believe some of the things we receive. Clothing in bags that are mildewed, or worse yet smelling of cat spray! Ripped, dirty and filthy items. And our volunteers have to sort this crap. Then we have the TV's and computers...they swear they work and they don't. Or the wonderful bedroom set...yeah right don't get me started.

We have a huge construction dumpster that we use for the garbage, we also have a burn pile that we use for that furniture that is destroyed. Of course, the TV's and Computers and monitors are a different story. We have to take them to the dump and yes, they charge us. We are charged by the garbage company when they pick up the dumpster.

So what is the reason behind this rant? This year, when you are cleaning out your closets, when you are looking to donate items. Please be aware, please be honest, don't send your garbage to a non-profit. Throw it away yourself. Don't make us pay to get rid of it.