BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Local thrift stores like Goodwill, Amvets and Salvation Army are closed during the Coronavirus outbreak, but some say people are not paying attention to the "no donations" signs.
Goodwill posted on its Facebook page saying despite being closed, people are leaving items at donation centers, which is causing a mess.
"All of our stores and donation centers are closed for the health and safety of our staff, donors and community," they said. "Despite communication and signage, we are very disappointed to see dumping occurring at our locations."
The post goes on to say, "We know that you’re at home decluttering, but we again ask that you please hold on to your donations until the time we reopen."
Goodwill has now removed all of the trailers from the Tops parking lots it serves.
Normally, Goodwill, The Salvation Army and other donation sites would be happy to accept the items, but locations have been closed to the public since the Coronavirus outbreak began. Employees at Goodwill and The Salvation Army say they are not able to pick up the donations as usual, and among sanitation concerns with COVID-19 as well as weather and rain, the items will need to be thrown out.
The Salvation Army says it has had to rent dumpsters to haul away the donations, and that has cost sometimes thousands of dollars.
Both organizations say they will desperately need donations once the outbreak is over, but now is not the time. They are asking people to keep donations until they're able to reopen.
