Western Pa. nonprofits ask for help as supply of donated goods falls
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The flurry of winter storms and bad road conditions have caused inventories at Goodwill stores throughout the region to slip by at least 25%, according to the nonprofit, which asked for donations as some of its shelves are getting bare.
The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania also reported a decline in donations because it is picking up fewer goods because of the pandemic. The inventory at the St. Vincent de Paul Society store in Greensburg is down as well.
“Our stores in the Alle-Kiski Valley and Westmoreland County area have been hit especially hard because of the severe weather in the area,” said David J. Tobiczyk, vice president of marketing and development for Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Goodwill made an urgent appeal Monday for donations of clothing and housewares.
“Donations are getting low, and we are fearful the store won’t be able to generate the funds we need for our nonprofit mission of helping people receive job training and education,” Tobiczyk said. “Obviously, we want to have plenty of items available for those who wish to shop as well.”
Although donations typically dip this time of year at Goodwill, the recently nasty weather hasn’t helped matters.
“We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from the community throughout the year, and Goodwill really needs help from the community right now,” said Michael Smith, president and CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Donations account for more than half of the operating revenue for the human services agency.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society store in Greensburg reported on Monday it was low on everything.
“We’ll be turning over to our spring inventory, and it is way down,” said Bernadette Moffa, president of the society’s Greensburg site. “People don’t want to come out, and so we’re not getting the stuff we need to display and sell.”
One of the items the store is known for selling is furniture.
“Unfortunately, with the weather, people don’t want to pack up sofas and chairs in the back of a truck,” Moffa said.
In addition to clothes and housewares, Goodwill needs donations of books, jewelry, computers and other electronic equipment.
Goodwill stores offer contact-free donation areas. Supporters can drive up to the donation area and drop their items in bins from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Representatives of St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army advise residents to call their local stores to see what items are needed most and to get details on dropping off donations.