Salvation Army discouraging donations of junk

If you’re looking to unload what you didn’t sell at your last yard sale, don’t bring it to the Salvation Army Thrift Store here.
That’s the message store supervisor Judy McCoy is sending as the season for cleaning out garages, attics, and basements continues.
“The donations have been great, and because of that generosity, we were able to get air conditioning installed last week,” McCoy noted Monday. “But we really have all we need now.”
She noted she’s trying to avoid the same situation the thrift store faced last year.
“Although we did get some nice stuff leftover from yard sales, we would also get so much junk,” McCoy remarked. “We would have to go through bags just to sort it, and we eventually had to pay to get rid of it ourselves.
“People would be using us to avoid the dumping fee, and that’s like taking money out of a hungry person’s pocket,” she stressed.
But McCoy also noted the food bank is getting a little low these days as many people tend to forget about the hungry during the summer months.
“We find there’s actually a lot of transients at this time, and family emergencies can happen anytime,” said McCoy, adding items specifically in shortage include canned meats, coffee, and powdered milk.
In related news, the thrift store now is offering a service for those who may be left with items they don’t know what to do with.
“If someone has a parent that they’re relocating to Rainycrest, for instance, we’re willing to sort through the stuff that doesn’t go with them.
“I know that can be a lot of work for someone, and we can help them out,” said McCoy.
Meanwhile, McCoy noted staff is working to make the store more accessible to the elderly after someone commented the stairs leading to down it could be difficult to maneuver.
“I’ve a very good staff, and after having a meeting with them about it, they all volunteered to help with the matter,” she remarked.
“If someone has a problem with stairs, they can call ahead of time. We’ll keep an eye open for them and help them down the stairs when they arrive,” added McCoy, noting she’s instructed staff on the “proper way” to help people down stairs.
She also said the store may get a bell so those who may need assistance could signal staff when they enter the door.