Everyone wants to help when it comes to a charity or non-profit organization.  However, there are things people do that can hinder and they don't even realize it.  We want to help clear some things up.

FIRST AND FOREMOST-THANK YOU FOR WANTING TO HELP

Charities and non-profits depend on the donations of the community to make it through each year of operation.  So a huge thank you to all who do their best in all ways to step up and help out.  Even the thought that people think about each non-profit is such a kind gesture.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T DONATE TO LOCAL CHARITIES

Let me say this first.  DO-Check with the organization you are wanting to donate to.  They may be all fine and good with taking any and all things people donate but I would be willing to bet that is not the case for most places.

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Unless an organization specifically asks for a mattress or pillows to be donated they most likely do not want nor will they take them.  The rising bed bug epidemic lends to this heavily.  Mattresses are also hard to dispose of so please don't drop them in a donation bin overnight or on a weekend.  It puts more work on the organization to have to find a place to get rid of it.

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Medical equipment or prescriptions (not used) or equipment cannot be resold at a lot of thrift stores.  There are regulations for selling these items.  Prescriptions should be taken to your local police department where they can dispose of them properly.

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A lot of places will not take a car seat because of expiration dates.  Unless the car seat is in the box or has a good expiration date these cannot be sold or reused.  Most places have to worry about whether or not the car seat has been in an accident or if they are up to code and safety standards.

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Let me be the first to say no one and I mean no one is taking boxed television sets.  Old appliances are a hassle and most thrift organizations cannot resell these items.  Non-profits like shelters may be able to use them but please contact them first.

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Don't mistake this for ALL clothing.  Thrift stores want your clothing they just don't want to have to untangle hangers and sort through stained or ripped items.  This is a lot of work, work that could be spent doing more productive daily activities for the organization.  If you are going to donate clothing make sure it is freshly washed, folded, or hung neatly on a hanger.

Here's a great video on how to responsibly declutter your home.

One last thing.  If you are going to donate please make sure you are able to deliver items that are large in size.  Most thrift stores or non-profits do not have the manpower to pick these items up.  If they are able they will need a reasonable amount of time to arrange pick-up.

Thank you for wanting to help others, we can all work together to make the world a better place.

Rockport Christian Resource Center Thrift Shop

Rockport Christian Resource Center strives to work together with the community to provide programs and resources that lead to self-sufficiency.

FEED A FRIEND COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Owensboro's Feed A Friend Community Meal and Thrift Store is located in downtown Owensboro and always looking for volunteers and folks wanting to give back to the community.

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