The Salvation Army

I had huge bags of clothes to donate, and came here twice during the holidays to drop them off. They were open as advertised, took all of my donations with no questions or issues, and provided me a donation receipt. Friendly, cordial, no issues! In the past I have loaded up my car with bags, only to get a «we are full» message from Goodwill or the Salvation Army during the holidays.
Recently I donated some bags to Goodwill and the person made a comment about some of the stuff looking like «junk» with the implication that I should sort/​throw away stuff and not leave it with Goodwill. Based on the comment from the person at Goodwill, I get the impression that they are more of a commercial type enterprise (Goodwill stores) and wonder if they throw away stuff they cannot sell in their stores (?). I wonder if the Salvation Army does a better job giving this stuff away to those in need.

Scheduled TWICE within a span of 2 weeks and both times cancelled. Super disappointed. The dispatch who called today didn’t seem to care. I need to find another organization to donate our furniture. It stinks since we had it all ready for pickup today.

Not cool. Scheduled a pick up from their 1−800-number and had to schedule 10 days out. Made sure to check and see that all items were what they wanted. Left items out before 7 AM with signs all over them saying Salvation Army. Came home at 5 PM to find everything still there. called to find out when they were doing a pick up. The customer service representative said that the truck was full so they didn’t pick up. Really! The schedule pick up was between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM. The truck was full by 1030 am? and when were they going to tell me that my stuff was going to be out all day and stay out all day? The answer is, they weren’t. So I was offered a pick up for two weeks from now. No offer to come back tomorrow because it was their mistake or shortcoming. So now I have to haul all my stuff back in the house, maybe I’ll keep it out and just say free.

I know they’ve been trying to clean up their image, but to me, it’s hard to forget how the Salvation Army was a homophobic hate group not too long ago. Did they really change their mind or are they just afraid that being bigoted is bad for business?

What a shit experience.
In all the drop offs that I have done to donate things that can help others, this drop off was nothing short of entertainment!
Let me explain: I go there to drop of clothes in plastic bags. The guy says «I cannot accept clothes in plastic bags» to which I replied «ok, no problem.» Five mins later I’m at Goodwill and drop the clothes off. Job done.
I go back home and load up cardboard boxes full of kitchen stuff. No clothes. I go back and this time he says «I cannot accept boxes either» to which I replied «its not clothes» but as I tried to explain, he got more confused and said «I cannot accept the boxes.»
Don’t waste your time. Go to Goodwill.

I just moved, and this place was perfect for all the crap that I had collected over the years. I was going to take it to the dumps, but the last trip cost like $ 70 for a truckload. So this time I opted to bring in the holiday spirit with gift of giving. I must have dumped err. *donated* 6 big garbage bags of clothes and 5 big garbage bags full of toys. No questions asked. The guy in the trailer this time had obviously taken his morning medication. He may not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was still able sort through my garbage and make it happen. Don’t forget to get your tax write off paper work.

Although this place recently shut its doors, you can find a donation truck in its parking lot. Like a hermit, inside sits an older gentleman who is as friendly and cute as can be. Although he doesn’t say much, you’ll notice his missing front tooth and his grin makes up for what he doesn’t say.
Since I’ve been moved, I’ve been donating random trinkets to this truck after my trip to the gym; so it’s usually open weekdays during the norm business hours. They will accept anything from old clothes to even electronic items such as a computer. Although the guy working may not present you with a receipt, feel free to ask for one!