Would you ever take something from a Donation Area?

[It's A Happy Day]

I was dropping off clothes & books at my local Salvation Army today and this place is a major distribution center for this area. There are several of the drop off boxes there as well as a loading dock for you to bring items to. As I was leaving I noticed a "nice" car pull up to one of the boxes that had childrens toys stacked against it. I was astonished to see this person get out of the car and proceed to go through the pile of toys and put them into their car. Don't flame me for judging a person by their looks but it did look like the person could afford to purchase these things - nice new looking car, nicely dressed. Is it just me??? Would you ever take something from a donation location?

 

[Eeyore in Texas]

H-LL NO !

 

[famofsix]

I personally would not, but maybe they were desperate despite the nice car?
Or maybe they are just thieves? Who knows
You tried to do the right thing by recycling your stuff, don't let their bad manners get you down.

 

[Buckalew11]

It could have been what it looked like or maybe someone like my MIL who helps out a single mom of a liitle girl. She buys some new stuff for her, buys at goodwill for her and would probably also take the woman something free from a donation if need be.

You just never know...

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would not have taken anything. If I saw something that I wanted I would offer money for it.

 

[kilee]

Myself no not at the actual sites. Our story is a bit different. We used to be a goodwill type store at my work. We then took it over (doctor's office now) and for the first few months people kept dropping stuff off at our back door-- it was kind of crazy. We'd put up signs and such- didn't matter. Almost every Monday we'd come to a new pile of "donations". We did go through some of it- but I do have to say I also carted at least 1-2 dozen bags to the goodwill from these items (which was now a 20 min ride away) because I would of felt bad throwing them out.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

It could have been what it looked like or maybe someone like my MIL who helps out a single mom of a liitle girl. She buys some new stuff for her, buys at goodwill for her and would probably also take the woman something free from a donation if need be.

You just never know...

I never thought of this, thank you for shedding light on it. I will hope that this was the case and not what it looked like

 

[DisneyBlonde]

Our local news did an expose on this type of thing last year, using hidden cameras. It's really a shame. I could never take something that I didn't have a right to, let alone something intended for someone in need.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I personally would not, but maybe they were desperate despite the nice car?

"desperate" for toys?

They were EBAYers. It's a common strategy.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

"desperate" for toys?

They were EBAYers. It's a common strategy.

Seriously?? That's just sad. I can see if someone has it in their trash on the curb but if someone has made an attempt to donate it to worthy organization then that's just crummy.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

yes, seriously. I've seen it discussed on several re-seller message boards.

So the lesson is, when you donate to an organization, make sure your stuff gets INTO the metal containers. Better yet, wait until they are open and carry it into the collection area.

 

[clutter]

One Saturday, a nice SUV with vanity tags stopped on the street in front of my house, picked up the bags of things I had out for Purple Heart, and drove away! About a half hour later, I saw the Purple Heart truck and I stopped them to tell them about it. The lady must have known their route and beat them to it!!!

 

[INDISMOM]

NEVER!

Where I am from, it is posted that it is against the law to take anything from in or around the donation bins and that if caught, they will be prosecuted.

Most of the bins are in grocery store parking lots and have surveillance cameras.

 

[m&m's mom]

Yes, But I had a very good reason.
I was 8 and my Mother threw my beloved Holly Hobby dress my Grandmother made me into the Salvation Army bin.
There ensued a major crying fit where my Mother held my feet and I dived in to retrieve my dress.
My darling Grandmother added a few more inches to the bottom w/ lace and tried a few more things but, alas, I did eventually give it up.
I feel sure that is not what you meant but for some reason I am really missing my Grandma today.

 

[Mono~rail]

No, I wouldn't. That is stealing and only a thief would take things from outside a donation center.

On the flip side and not to threadjack, but I've been criticized before because I shop at thrift stores. Some people think that thrift shops are only for "poor" people to shop in, and some thrift shops are set up for that purpose. The majority of thrift shops are used as a means to generate money to fund their charity work (Salvation Army is an example) or (as in the case of Goodwill) to provide jobs for workers that would otherwise have a difficult time finding employment elsewhere.

When I go to thrift shops, many times I give extra as a donation. Say if I buy $8 worth of items, I will pay with a $10 and tell them to keep the change. If I go in and don't find anything to buy, I give them a $ donation.

Edited to add: I buy items to give to other people too. I donate items to DD's physical therapy clinic, kids we know that I think would like something I find, our church, etc.

 

[Mono~rail]

NEVER!

Where I am from, it is posted that it is against the law to take anything from in or around the donation bins and that if caught, they will be prosecuted.

Most of the bins are in grocery store parking lots and have surveillance cameras.

There was a Salvation Army where we used to live in N. Louisiana, and there was a sign on their donation bin that said you could be arrested and prosecuted if you left items outside the bin.

 

[Stitchfans]

How horrible. How can people be that ignorant?