Donation Changes at the Mercer Island Thrift Shop

The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is modifying its donation practices due to Goodwill's recent decision to discontinue purchasing bulk items from partner organizations. This change poses a challenge for the Thrift Shop, which typically wholesaled around 37,000 pounds of unsellable items per month to Goodwill. In response, the shop is asking community members to be more mindful when donating, emphasizing the need for clean and functional items that align with customer expectations. Heavily worn or broken items are discouraged to avoid incurring disposal fees for unusable goods. Additionally, the Thrift Shop will limit donation hours to Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 10:00 am until they establish a new partnership.

They are particularly interested in receiving back-to-school items, fall sports gear, and Halloween products. This shift will help maximize the benefits of donations for local Youth and Family Services. The Thrift Shop expresses gratitude for the community's generous contributions, which keep its shelves stocked and shoppers satisfied.