Stores and donation centers are closed, but people are still dropping off their stuff
VANCOUVER — How upside down are things right now?
How about this. Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette is urging people not to drop off donations.
Following orders from both Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown that people remain home to slow the spread of COVID-19, Goodwill made the decision on March 23 to close all of their 93 drop-off locations, along with all retail outlets until further notice.
“But, while the great majority of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette employees are sheltering in place, donations still continue to be dropped off,” says Dale Emanuel with Goodwill. “Donations left at unattended locations may create health and other hazards, and, due to weather, may not be suitable for use.”
Those problems, Emanuel adds, could include items blowing into nearby streets or neighborhoods, creating a hazard.
Old habits may be hard to break. Last year, 4.2 donations were made to Goodwill of the Columbia Willamette, amounting to 263-million pounds of items.
“I think we have the most giving Goodwill donors in the world,” says Emanuel. “But while some are giving, some are illegally dumping, causing health and safety issues for our employees and the communities we serve.”
For updated news and information regarding Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette operations, visit: http://meetgoodwill.org/who-we-are/news-and-community/.
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