Page 6 - AUG 2018 The Castle Pines Connection proof 1

D6 onate freely; dispose responsibly By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of Help & Hope Center
CastlePinesConnection.com
In talking with Dan Marlow, the executive director of the Help & Hope Center
(HHC) in Castle Rock, he emphasized
his appreciation of the much-needed donations they receive from many generous individuals in the Castle Pines community. Whether donations are food, household goods, clothing, money or volunteer hours, Douglas and Elbert county neighbors who need assistance are many times able to receive it from the HHC.
One important branch of HHC is the Treasures Thrift Store that helps fund
the organization with the pro ts from the store’s shoppers. The thrift store welcomes donations on speci c days and times – these are listed on their website. It also includes a list of acceptable and unacceptable items that can be donated.
Lately, unacceptable items (like large,
old TVs) have been dropped o after
hours. The cost of disposal for the HHC is signi cant, and additonal money has to be raised to have these items hauled o – funds that could be used to help their clients.
Stacked up old TVs and a computer table left outside the Help & Hope Center after hours. These items will cost the Center several hnundred dollars to recycle them using funds that are needed to
help individuals and families who are struggling. Please do not leave items such as these at nonpro t organizations.
“I don’t think most people realize the cost we incur to recycle those items, especially TVs, that can cost as much as $300 [each],” stated Marlow. “That is money that takes away from our ability to help our neighbors in need!”
Please, please, do not leave unacceptable items after hours at the HHC or other local nonpro ts. Be considerate in how and what you choose to donate. Visit www. helpandhopecenter.org for information on scheduled donation days and times and a list of donations that are allowed.
This is a common occurrence at many nonpro t drop-o sites. The Goodwill donation center in Castle Pines struggles with items being left after hours, especially when there is bad weather. While many
of the items are acceptable, the door is blocked with goods stacked in front of it. The sta is very cooperative and will help individuals get items into the store during business hours. There are speci c centers that do accept large items. Visit www. goodwilldenver.org/donate/stu / to learn more about donating goods.
Items that are NOT accepted at the Help & Hope Center
• TVs and computers – these cost the center a signi cant amount to recycle, which cuts into the ability to serve its clients
• Skis and ski equipment
• Car seats and cribs
• Mattresses and box springs
• Bed pillows
• Used humidi ers
• Light xtures or xtures
removed from homes
• Chemical products
• Large appliances
• Large exercise equipment
• Anything that does not work
• Anything damaged, stained,
broken, torn which cannot be
sold
• Furniture is taken on a space
available basis; please call the store to nd out if we have space for furniture daily