Thrift store receives numerous damaged, unusable donations

IRONWOOD — St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Ironwood is facing challenges because of some of the donations that are received.

According to store manager Terri Cvengros, the store has been receiving a number of unusable donations, including broken and stained items.

In addition to the unusable items, items have been dropped off after store hours and on weekends, left in the rain.

Cvengros said items left in the rain or snow had to be hauled to the transfer station. Some usable items that were left outside were stolen.

“We have security cameras in place and we are able to identify those who are responsible for drop-offs and are working with the Ironwood Public Safety Department,” Cvengros said.

Items not accepted include computers and related parts, televisions, broken furniture, stained or torn mattresses and box springs, and appliances that are in non-working conditions.

“We are not a dumping ground for people’s trash,” Cvengros said. “Please remember that by dropping these kinds of items off, they have to be taken to the transfer station, with is an additional cost to us. And this problem isn’t just here. It happens in Bessemer and in Ontonagon, too.”

Items can be dropped off during store hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. If people are unable to drop items off during that time, they can call the store to arrange a time.

If people are also unsure about what items are accepted, Cvengros said people can call the store anytime.

“We would like to thank those who have been donating to the store,” Cvengros said. “It is greatly appreciated and a big thank you to the volunteers who are keeping up with the donations and keeping the store looking clean.”

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the store at 216 W. Aurora St. in downtown Ironwood, or call 906-932-4547.