Local thrift stores in need of donations

The benefits of donating clothing and other goods to local thrift stores include promoting recycling, meaning fewer items wind up in a landfill; decluttering, which can create a calmer and more organized environment at home; and supporting local community programs, since many of the volunteer-run shops use sale proceeds to help others in need.

Locally, several organizations are looking for donations of quality used merchandise, including the Tel Hai Retirement Community's Resale Shop, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook. The Resale Shop, located on the lower level of the Hertzler Apartments building, is generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Upcoming dates of operation include Fridays, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20.

Appointments are also available upon request by contacting Alicia Guthrie, director of development, at aguthrie@telhai.org or 610-273-9333, ext. 2036.

"We are always happy to schedule an appointment for a customer to shop if they aren't able to make it during regular hours," Guthrie said, adding, "Donations to the Resale Shop benefit a wonderful cause - the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, which helps support residents who outlive their ability to pay for the care they require."

Donations to the Resale Shop are accepted every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon, excluding holidays. New or gently used items needed for donation include antiques, appliances, furniture, jewelry, housewares, linens, quilts, sewing materials, tools, mechanical items and small electronic appliances. The shop does not sell clothing, toys or books. For more information and a complete list of donation criteria, visit www.telhai.org/resale-shop.

Also in need of donations is the Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe, located at 2769 Main St. (Route 23), Morgantown. Donations, such as household goods, jewelry, fabric, clothing, books and toys, are accepted during business hours, which are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"What we ask is that the items work or are in good shape," said Mazie Furness, who is general manager of Morgantown ReUzit with Leslie Tuley. "We take a wide variety of things, (but) we don't take large pieces of furniture, large appliances and computers."

In addition to merchandise, Morgantown ReUzit is in need of volunteers. "There are all types of jobs - sorting, pricing and cleaning items," Furness said, noting that those with mobility issues can complete tasks while seated. "We can offer a job to any person who has a heart to volunteer."

All proceeds from sales at the shop benefit Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a Christian relief organization. For more information, visit https://morgantownreuzit.org or www.instagram.com/morgantownreuzitshoppe or search for "Morgantown ReUzit Shoppe" on Facebook.

Steeple to People Thrift Shop, 4670 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook, is also in need of donations. Proceeds from the shop benefit Steeple to People Ministries, which provides financial assistance to people in need and also operates the Honey Brook Youth Center.

Donations, including clothing, toys, books, housewares, glassware, lamps, jewelry and linens, are accepted during store hours on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Items that are not accepted include computers and printers, console televisions, car seats, paint, entertainment centers, textbooks and encyclopedias. For more information, call 610-273-7633 or visit www.honeybrookyouthcenter.com/steeple-to-people.

Neighboring organizations that are in need of donations include the following: Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland, 707 W. Main St., New Holland, http://www.newhollandreuzit.org; Freedom Thrift, 114 Ranck Church Road, New Holland, http://www.rofm.org/thrift-stores; Righteous Clothing Thrift Store, 317 Main St., Parkesburg, http://www.facebook.com/RighteousClothingthriftstore.; and Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe, 5602 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gap, http://www.countrygiftandthrift.com.