Before donating in-kind items to charity, check the drawers, pockets, and cushions!

One of my favorite stories of an unintentionally donated treasure comes from The Salvation Army in Washington, D.C. Here’s the story in Ken Harrell’s own words (he’s the General Supervisor of our Family Stores in the D.C. area):

“We did a couch pick-up at a lady’s home one afternoon. Later, we got a call from her at which time she was frantic that her cat was missing and she was afraid that her pet was hiding in the same couch we picked up from her house.

She gave us a description of our new feline friend, but we could not find ‘Precious’ anywhere in the warehouse.

Three days later, Precious came waltzing out of the phone room announcing her presence with meows. We have no idea where she had been hiding all that time.

We called the owner who promptly picked up her little companion, with tears in her eyes and much appreciation. The owner was crying too.”

Now that the spring cleaning season is upon us, remember to check your pockets, purse, jewelry box, sofa cushions, and safe before making a donation to your favorite charity.

Remember that everything you give to or buy from a Salvation Army Family Store helps us care for people who need comprehensive, no-fee, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Click on www.satruck.com or call 1 800 SA TRUCK for a Family Store location, Adult Rehabilitation Center or donation drop-off site