‘Donation’ Bins May Be Deceiving Those Trying To Give Back

[hrmjustin]

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Clothing bins set up in parking lots are a pretty common site, and while you may think it all goes to charity, it turns out that might actually not be true.

As CBS 2?s Christine Johnson reported, many people assume the contents of all bins go to help people in need.

Charity experts, however, said for-profit bins are counting on that and the donations they receive do not go to those who need them.

“People see these clothing bins and associate them with charity. But the fact is that more and more we’re seeing they’re for profit companies,” said Charity Navigator spokesperson Stephanie Kalivas. “They’ll take the clothes, they’ll bundle it, then they’ll sell it either to a recycler or to re-sellers overseas.”

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/02/seen-at-11-donation-bins-may-be-deceiving-those-trying-to-give-back/

[alsame]

1. It just gets harder and

harder not be cynical about every damn thing.

'for profit companies'

[hrmjustin]

2. It is sad that they play on people's heartstrings to make a buck.

[alsame]

5. Of course they do. For years, I've donated only

to the Vietnam Vets Assoc - they also sell the donations but the $ is used to help Veterans.

[hrmjustin]

6. Sounds like a great organization.

[alsame]

8. They are. And they pick up your

stuff, even if it's just a bundle of clothes.

http://www.vvapickup.org/web/pageDetail.aspx?pgID=whoarewe

[hrmjustin]

10. Nice to know that there are organizations not just out for a buck.

[justhanginon]

3. It is truly amazing the depths

for profit companies will sink to for the almighty dollar. I too am becoming cynical, sometimes I even feel like our Senators and Representatives are not looking out for the average citizens best interest. Golly gee, I hope the day never comes when they just represent corporations and big campaign donors. (sarcasm)

[hrmjustin]

4. It is disheartening.

[sheshe2]

7. I will have to be more careful where I drop clothes off.

What a bunch of vultures.

Thanks for the heads up, Justin.

[hrmjustin]

9. Your Welcome.

It is so sad that they use people's good will to make a buck.

[oldandhappy]

11. I got caught on that -- only once!

The bins in my area are not for charity. I checked. And two weeks ago in my neighborhood we all received plastic bags asking for shoes for Africa. Yea. You want me to believe you are going to send shoes to Africa? Not. I take things to the charity places myself and turn them in at the door.

[hrmjustin]

12. Good idea.

[Rod Beauvex]

13. To be honest...

A lot of thrift stores do this as well. Things they feel they cannot sell gets thrown in a compactor and is also sold for recycle or resale in another country.

They'd be buried in clothing if they didn't.

[hrmjustin]

14. But they bins should be honest about it.