Capt. Angel Sandoval-Silva
Greetings:
As the largest non-governmental provider of social services in Canada, the Salvation Army Fort Frances Ministries relies on generous donations.
Every little bit helps. Well, almost.
We are discovering that in some cases, the donation shed and Thrift Store are being treated like dumping grounds—soiled mattresses, construction debris, household garbage, etc. It’s incredibly frustrating and it is difficult to “police.”
We want to get the message out there that we are in need of your gently-used items but, at the same time, please be conscientious of what and when you are giving.
We are trying everything possible to limit illegal dumping, and off-hours scavenging. We have signage, security cameras, and at times staff on shift even when our Thrift Store is closed.
In our community, we service the donation shed on a daily basis—but this still is not enough. The cost of removing this junk prohibits us from legitimately helping people in desperate need.
Thankfully, the vast majority of Salvation Army donors would never dream of dumping their junk at our drop shed or store, and we want them to know how much we appreciate their ongoing support. But to the few who appear too lazy to take their garbage to the dump, please do the honorable thing and haul your own refuse.
Further, due to the dumping and scavenging, the Salvation Army Thrift Store has found it necessary to ask donors to bring donations inside of our store to avoid problems in our community and ministry. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, we must take action to address this small percentage of the public that is abusing the process and thus has made the continued use of the shed impossible.
The Salvation Army’s main concern is for public image and personnel safety. Many times, donations have become unsafe and unsanitary due to the high volumes of garbage being left and the scavenging, causing good donations to become damaged.
Remember, the Salvation Army Thrift Store exists to generate funds to support our programs. We efficiently and ethically recycle and sell donated clothing and other goods in a way which exceeds the expectations of our customers while also providing an environment which is beneficial to the development and well-being of our staff and volunteers.
The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today, and every day, in 400 communities across Canada and 117 countries around the world. We offer practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provide shelter for homeless people, and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.
When you give to the Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
We turn to you to help and share our message. We feel with public education, we can right this community wrong. Please continue helping us to help others in our community and district.
Committed
to the Lord,
Capt. Angel
Sandoval-Silva
