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| I do volunteer work at a local clothing center. We take gently used clothing and shoes, hang them and put size labels only on men's pants. It's kind of dusty and the building is quite old. I always do the sweeping at the end of my shift. You wouldn't believe how the dust bunnies multiply. Each day there is a different group, and each one sweeps and takes out the trash. Good Will also takes rags now, so everything that isn't worth saving we put in the rag bag. Good Will sells them by the pound. We also give Good Will things we just can't give away, like woolen items that need dry cleaning, men's suits, evening dresses (except around prom time). Our customers are either homeless or recent offenders who get vouchers from social workers or probation officers. They get free stuff, coats and shoes included. Others just want bargains and can stuff a paper bag full for six dollars. If it's baby clothes, they can get enough for all the kids they know for that low price. Our paying customers are many nationalities and income levels. For them shoes are $2 including work boots, and coats range from $2-$5 depending on value. There are regulars, like a deaf guy who loves the Steelers. The volunteers love to present him with Steeler items just to see how excited he gets. And growing families; they may only come in every other month or so. Then there is the guy who owns a secondhand shop; he comes looking for jewelry and men's belts. We aren't so eager to serve someone who's going to make a profit. There is another secondhand shop that will send jewelry they haven't been able to move; they are cash only, but all profits are split for local charities. The Salvation Army is the only other place to give things away. At this time of year, we get the leftovers from the Methodist yard sale. A number of churches collect gloves and hats, but don't give them to us until Christmas, when the need isn't as great. We also collect brand new unused men's underwear, a frequently requested item. Unfortunately, when a family member dies, the family has to get rid of the clothing, so those items come still in dry cleaning bags, and sometimes are very out of date. The kind of people who come to us do not want long coats, ladies' suits, or styles from 20 years ago. Good Will gets them. They might be needed for theater or an older person who still has those tastes. (I know how that is. I still like costume jewelry and shoe styles from the 90's.) But, please, when making a donation, no baby throw up on clothes,no rips or gross stains. And, like Joan Crawford said in Mommie Dearest: No wire hangers! |
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