How charity agencies handle the second hand donations?
By Zhu Huifen
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
China
December 28, 2008 9:32am CST
I saw on the newspaper that some college students got frustrated by red cross rejecting used clothing they have collected. I have similar problems, as it is difficult to find a proper place which accepts used clothing on regular basis. Mostly I wait till the next call either by the neighborhood or by the company.
Does red cross in your country take care of these things, or it only accepts money?
I am interested to know how charity agencies handle the second hand donations.
1 person likes this
1 response
@JoyfulOne (6231)
• United States
28 Dec 08
First, let me say I think Red Cross only accepts money donations. I don't think they have the types of storage facilities to take in used goods. But there ARE other places that gladly accept used clothing, furniture, and other goods to help those in need.
In my opinion, Salvation Army is the best place to give the used clothing...second for my vote would be GoodWill inc. I think Salvation Army does some marvelous things, and I always give my clothing donations specifically to them. Many years ago, my Dad's and step-mom's house burnt to the ground (hit by lightning). Salvation Army stepped right in and let them go through their resale store and take whatever clothing they needed at no cost to them. We have a S.A. post in a small city not too far away. When I donate there I know for sure that the homeless folk are getting the clothing and help that they need in the winter time (especially with the warm coats and all.)
Good Will is good to donate too, but I find their resale store prices to be way too high for used clothing. I've actually seen the same shirt hanging on their racks (with tags still on them) that was higher than at the Walmart next door, lol. These used clothing/charity places should be helping those who need inexpensive clothing...not making a humungous profit for themselves. I do realize that they have people who work there who are mentally/physically challenged and wouldn't be able to get a job otherwise, but they do not get paid that well from the work, so I'm assuming its the Good Will industries who makes the real money, not those who really need the service. And that's why I donate clothing to the Salvation Army instead of Good Will.

