Check weather forecast before dumping stuff outdoors for donation

Getting rid of old stuff by dropping it outside a charity in the snow is a bad idea, says one thrift store that’s now facing an added expense after someone did just that.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul shared a recent incident on its Facebook page and it said the donations are damaged when they are left outdoors.

“This is not donating this is dumping,” said the Facebook post. “If you see this happening at any charity please get the licence plate and call the charity. Dumping is illegal. Now we will have to pay to dispose of this.”

The posts, dated in late December and early January, showed lots of dumped furniture that was ruined at the Chilver Road location due to the weather.

“Even if the dumped donations were good, it’s not good because once it gets all soak and wet it becomes garbage. We have to dispose of it,” said Rosanne Winger, general manager at the Society Shoppe.

She added that collected donations are supposed to be put in the stores or given away to people in need.

Winger also noted it does not accept mattresses as a donation.

Donations can be dropped off at the Society Shoppe during the normal business hours.

For more information, you can visit Society Shoppe’s Facebook page. A pickup can also be arranged by calling at 519-253-7481.