I think I've made a mistake. I just given a thoughtful donation to Goodwill, $2,600 worth of clothing, and my generosity just got flushed down the toilet. Before I get into that, here's what I did today. First of all, I wanted to clean out my inventory, all the old styles - never been worn. I had some ideas, one was to bundle it up in small bags and hand them out to the homeless. The other idea was to box it all up and drop it off at some non-profit organization. Unfortunately, the only trusted non-profit that I know of and work with is S.F Food Bank, which accepts only monetary and food donations. Eventually, I decided to go with Goodwill in San Francisco. Now, I know that Goodwill resells the donations at their retail outlets so I was a bit hesitant at first, however, the money that they earn goes back in supporting those with disadvantages. From education to job hunting, the organization helps change the lives of those in need. As stated on their website, "We are dedicated to helping motivated individuals overcome barriers to employment such as long-term welfare dependence, a physical or mental disability, homelessness, incarceration or limited use of English".
Anyways, 3 months ago, I realized that
aRMY Wear is long overdue for a serious cleanup. My initial plan was to donate my inventory to a well respected organization and also give away some to friends. Of course, there was the option to sell at trunk shows, however, the fact that I wanted to start fresh in 2009, donating these items would be the best choice.
From sweaters to tees, trying to decide what to give and what to donate.
All boxed up with a receipt
Inside the Goodwill store
When I got to the store, a lady just stared at me. With my arms wrapped around this gigantic box, she says to me, "Donations? Just drop it off by the rails". And that was it. So I did exactly what she told me but just as I was about to leave, I went back and ask, is there some sort of form to fill out? Do I need to put my information on the box? Then I showed her the receipt that I printed online which says "you must submit to the donation attendant on duty". She grabs the paper, scribbles her signature and says, "
ok you need to hurry up, we're close". Then as I'm walking out, wondering what the heck did I just do, another lady by the gate says to me, "sir, right this way. We're close". I seriously wanted to ask, what ever happened to thank you? A box worth $2,600, sitting in the alley, no name, no description... nothing. If I've foreseen this, I'd have taken this donation to the homeless instead.
You know what... even though it's not the kind of acknowledgment I expected, somewhere along the line, I do believe that my little contribution will pay off somehow. A less fortunate kid will be rockin an aRMY wear Tshirt and a disadvantaged person will get the proper job training. On the contrary, I'm not sure I would ever donate to Goodwill again.
