The Center Moriches United Methodist Church Thrift Store will no longer be collecting items other than clothing in hopes of preventing the extensive dumping.
“People are dumping more and more garbage,” said Tom Muller, president of church trustees and thrift store manager, explaining the issue.
Since the “No Dumping” and new policy signs have been posted, Muller said, the community has been responding with less frequent dumping.
The major change will also help turn a better profit by selling the highest-earning commodity, he said. Clothing, assistant director Barbra Petrone said, is one of the most popular items.
The thrift shop will also see a facelift, with indoor and outdoor painting and a porch refresh.
Diane Durray, five-year store director, hopes the changes will help deter the dumpers. Trash and garbage show up almost every night, requiring the store to empty their dumpsters three times a week, at a great cost. Junk left behind, Muller said, includes a king mattress, couches, and so much more.
“It’s all junk,” Durray added.
Many donations, Petrone echoed, are often unusable and dirty. The shop currently has about 10 volunteers and all the proceeds go to help upkeep the store and benefit the church.
As for clothing donations, she said, “If you wouldn’t wear it, then don’t give it to us.”
Items of value are sold for $1 to $3 and some for as little as .50 cents and up to $8 for jackets.
The shop is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to shoppers. To donate clothing, please either leave in the porch drop or visit during open hours.
What’s accepted:
Donations of clean-bagged clothing items and accessories. Also, seasonal decorations and decorative glassware and dishes.
Not accepted:
No toys, furniture, food, beds, bedding, rugs, pillows, strollers, TVs, electronics, books, CDS, DVDs, records, stationery, appliances, lamps, Christmas trees, stands, garland, pots, pans or cookware.
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