As summer rolls on, the Salvation Army in Estevan is asking residents to take a moment to carefully consider what they’re donating before dropping items off at the thrift store. With the warmer months often bringing an influx of donations, the organization wants to ensure that every item contributed can be put to good use and truly benefits the community.
Gently used clothing, household items, bedding, kids’ clothes, and seasonal items like winter coats are always welcome donations. However, staff recommend calling ahead to check on the current needs of the store, as these can fluctuate depending on the season and inventory levels.
“Household stuff is good, clothing is good, bedding is good,” said Ronza Reynard, community ministries director. “Just give us a call to say, ‘Hey, are you taking this at the moment?’ It helps our staff avoid having to haul stuff to the dump, which saves both time and resources.”
There are some important restrictions on what the Salvation Army can accept. Due to health and safety regulations and the costs involved in disposal, certain items cannot be taken. These include mattresses and box springs, old or broken appliances, car seats, playpens, hide-a-beds, and anything that is damaged or unsafe for use. Clothing that is stained, ripped, or heavily worn also cannot be accepted.
“We ask people to donate gently used items, not just anything lying around in their closets or garages,” Reynard explained. “If we can’t sell an item, it either has to be recycled or cut into rags, and we can only make so many boxes of those.”
For businesses or individuals interested in purchasing rags, the Salvation Army does sell these in bulk and encourages them to reach out for more information.
If you’re ever unsure whether a particular item is suitable for donation, the best step is to contact the Salvation Army office directly. A quick phone call can save staff time and energy and ensure that every donation goes toward supporting the community in the most effective way possible.
By being thoughtful about what you donate, you help the Salvation Army continue providing valuable services and resources to those in need across Estevan.