Many local nonprofit resellers are accepting donations again

The months spent at home linked to COVID-19 have inspired many people to clean their closets, attics and garages.

At the start of the coronavirus-imposed closures, however, potential donors of their unwanted treasures struggled to find organizations that would accept them. Either the organizations’ operations were severely restricted or there was hesitation about the safety of handling new stocks.

Since this summer, most nonprofits that resell donated goods have reopened and accept donations, even on a more limited basis. However, it may be advisable to call any organization ahead of time before loading the car.

“We’ve taken small steps since our reopening on July 16,” said Pam Moody, the Helping League’s vice president of resource development, of the group’s thrift store on Eastwood Avenue. “At first, we only took household items. Six weeks ago we started allowing our members to bring clothes; now it’s open to the public.

The store, made up entirely of Aid League volunteers, has been very careful about complying with government regulations on COVID, Moody said.

“We need to make sure that our staff and customers feel comfortable, so we have only been open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and only accept donations between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. At From this month we decided to try to extend our Thursday hours from 10am to 4pm “

Complete information on what the store accepts and how to drop off donations can be found on the Assistance League website.

The Bargain Box, a non-profit thrift store whose profits primarily go to the Good Shepherd Center, is asking people wishing to donate clothing or household items to call and make an appointment to do so.

“Often we can set up same day appointments,” said Jennifer Parrish, Bargain Box employee. “We take all kinds of clothes and household items. We keep the clothes for 24 hours, then we steam them before putting them away. “

You can find information about the store, the donations it accepts and the current donation protocols at https://www.bargainboxofwilmington.com/

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s three ReStores locations are open to businesses and donations without an appointment, said staff member David Lindsay. Stores are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, but donations cannot be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and after 4 p.m. Saturday, he added. A list of items and materials that ReStores accept is printed on the website.

Vintage Values, whose three resale stores support Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc., is also open for donations. The organization accepts donations of clothing, household items and some furniture. A prior phone call to one of the locations is advised.

Goodwill Industries of Eastern NC Inc. accepts its normal range of donations during regular business hours, spokeswoman Jenny Burke said. This means slightly worn clothes, household items and furniture, but no mattresses. Shops are closed Sunday and Monday, she added. A list of what is acceptable can be found in line.

Book donations can be made either to the New Hanover County Library by appointment or to the Cape Fear Literacy Council. Both organizations use the proceeds from book sales to support their operations. The CFLC asks donors to call ahead to make sure the office is open.