Donation to Goodwill

coasterqueen wrote: DH and I went out to the party store at lunch to get stuff for the baby shower and we also had some stuff to drop off at goodwill.

When we were building the house we needed fans in the basement because that's where I was staining/finishing doors and trim for the house. We used them for ventalation. Also we had bought a humidifier at that time. Well, since we don't need those fans anymore or the humidifer we decided to give them to goodwill. The only thing is they are dusty/dirty from being used in the basement and Dh didn't want to take the time to clean them. I figured Goodwill would still want them to give to someone right? They are in great shape, just need to be cleaned.

Anyways, so we drop them off and the guy told us that Goodwill won't take things like that, they'll just dump them if we leave them there. WHAT? Aren't they supposed to help people in need? I mean, it's 90+ degrees outside and there are people out there who can't afford air conditioning or fans who would gladly take them. I asked him if it was because they weren't cleaned and he said no it's just they only take clothing, shoes, toys, and small household items. WTF??!!

I was so angry. So now I'm going to call a local charity and see if they can use them.

That's the last time I donate to goodwill! That means a ton of other stuff I've donated didn't get used.

amynicole21 replied: Grrrr! I donated a couch to Goodwill a few years ago, and when the guy came to pick it up he complained that there was cat hair on it! He even yelled at my cat who was sitting on the top to get down in a mean way. I heard him muttering about it to his helper... WTF? It's a couch that is in great condition, and it's FREE. They are making a profit on the needy anyway, so why are they being picky

coasterqueen replied:
That'd make me angry too. You know it's probably best that they said that because you are right they are making a profit off the needy. So it's probably best that I can now call a charity and give them away instead of someone having to pay for them. I'm sure a charity would gladly clean them up too just to be able to give them away. If not I'll clean them up, I just gotta find the time.

A&A'smommy replied: How can people who are helping other people be SO rude? I would LOVE to do something like that!!!

kit_kats_mom replied: Actually, I was turned on to http://www.freecycle.org by a friend. It's a message board and you subscribe to your cities circle and are added to the email list. Whenever someone has something free to give away, or posts an add for wanted items, you get an email. I just saw one from a lady who is looking for girl clothes 6m +. I may email her.

jem0622 replied: In the future you might want to go straight to a shelter or halfway house in your area and just offer them to that location. They are sticklers about things. And I think it has more to do with laws and such than anything.

Boys r us replied: I would try a different drop off point Karen, b/c I donated a bunch of clothes along with a whole huge box full of wallpaper that I have bought over the years and never used(they were on the rolls and still new) and they took it without any problem...I certainly see FANS IN THE SUMMERTIME as much more of a necessity than wallpaper!!!!!!!

coasterqueen replied:
No they said they would take it, no problem taking it. It was just that they said that Goodwill (not the guys there) will dump it because they won't resell things like that. Weird, huh?

coasterqueen replied:
Wow thanks Cary!!!! I just looked at that site and there are over 691 members in my city alone, not counting the small towns surrounding our city! I wouldn't have imagined there were that many people. Cool, I'm going to join. Thanks again .

kimberley replied: yeah, i have never had a good experience with goodwill. for baby clothes etc, i donate to a local women's shelter and the boys' old daycare. for other items, we bring them to value village because every bag or box you donate gives you 10% off your next purchase and i shop there often for me and the kids.

coasterqueen replied:
That's cool! I wish we had a place like that. Our family shops at consignment shops but we don't get % off for bringing stuff in. I guess we get $ back on them and it can go towards purchases, though.

MommyToAshley replied: That is just plain stupid!

I donate to goodwill all the time too. I guess I should find a better spot for some of the larger things.... a local shelter sounds like a good starting place.

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Wow I'm sorry to hear that. I donate to the Salvation Army all the time. I would definately find a charity to donate it too. Don't let this experience stop you from donating in the future.

mummy2girls replied: good will can be very snotty and cruel! My mom works at a drop off centre for a good will store. and i have numerous times visited her there. And she has had to turn away alot of things that she finds is wierd they couldnt take. And teddy bears they can only accept a few teddy bears and if they have too muych they are told to throw away the extras! HUH? same with clothes for kids and adults and also tioys. It just frustrates my mom how they are told to throw things away!

DansMom replied: In our area there is a drug treatment program that provides housing for people who have gotten to the point where they are drug-free, but who need help and support getting started in new lives. They are always looking for furniture and household appliances for people who are re-entering the community and who don't have anything. Often these are single moms. The best part: you call the program, and they come pick stuff up!!!! Purple Heart also picks things up and they might take bigger items, I'm not sure.

momof2girls replied: I stopped giving to goodwill along time ago and give to other charities like Joshua house, or abused women shelter they use the stuff for people who really need it!

Im gonna check out that link!