Goodwill, Salvation Army issue plea for clothingDate: 11/22/2013 By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.com
PIONEER VALLEY – As only a handful of sweaters for girls graced the racks of Savers on Liberty Street in Springfield on a recent cold afternoon, store manager Glenn Walulak sent out an urgent plea for donated winter clothing.
“We are especially in need of warm clothing for girls and boys, as well as shoes and boots,” said Walulak during an interview with Reminder Publications.
Across the region, Savers, Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores are hoping that area residents clean out their closets before the end of the year and consider donating warm clothing in good condition. In exchange for one’s generosity, tax-deductible donation forms are available upon request.
“We also assist local agencies seeking clothes for fire victims, as well as schools when they notice that children do not have the proper clothing for our seasonal changes,” Walulak said.
Savers has been in the business of recycling and supporting communities for almost 60 years. Walulak noted the 1277 Liberty St. site has been assisting area communities for 17 years.
“We are entrenched here, helping those in need,” he said.
When one first enters the Savers store, there is a small assortment of mittens, hats and holiday socks on sale.
“Those new items are just in but they will go fast,” Walulak said.
Kerriann Suliveres of Springfield was shopping the aisles for her two sons, Alexander, 4, and Jerry, 1 ½.
“I visit at least twice a month,” she said. “I can afford the toys, clothes and kitchen stuff here.”
As her son Alexander checked out the toy shelves on the back wall, Suliveres noted that usually the shelves are packed with choices.
“There isn’t much to choose from so he’s still searching,” she said.
Walulak noted that while winter clothing for all ages is needed, there is also a focus on clothing for boys.
“Donated clothing for boys tends to be more worn since boys are rough on their clothes,” he said. “We like to have clothing in good condition for sale.”
A sampling of good quality donations needed at thrift stores across the region includes clothing for all ages, accessories including purses, wallets, scarves, ties, nylons and socks. Also, bed and bath accessories, hardback and paperback books, CD’s, DVD’s, computer software, housewares, toys, games, puzzles, jewelry, and furniture.
Items that cannot be accepted include hazardous waste, weapons, construction materials, flammable products, large appliances, automobile parts, food, mattresses and box springs, and sleeper sofas.
For more information on Savers and locations across the Pioneer Valley, visit www.savers.com. For information on Goodwill stores and their specific donation lists, visit www.goodwill.org, and for Salvation Army outlets and needed items, visit www.salvationarmy.org.
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