March 28, 2024

USAgain bins don’t help community like Salvation Army Thrift Store

To the editor:

I have been asked by many people to write another letter to explain the USAgain recycling bins around town.

These bins are for one man’s profit. He claims to save tons of clothes from reaching the landfill. This is probably true.

Just to let you know, none of the clothes donated to the Salvation Army ever reach the landfill. They are sold just like this person does, but with one key difference. The money the Salvation Army receives stays in Newton to help individuals in our community.

The money he makes goes in his pocket. The fact that he pays the businesses around town to have his bins on their property indicates the profit motive. We don’t need anyone siphoning money from our community like this.

If the clothes you put in the bins are of good quality, the Salvation Army is losing anywhere from $50 to $100 a bag. The only thing nice about these drop off bins is that they are convenient for people to drop off whenever you want.

The donations that you drop off at the Salvation Army Thrift Store go to help so many people in our community. Just some of the things the funds go for are the community food bank; clothes are given to those that can’t afford them; a community meal; a Thanksgiving meal; and Christmas gifts for the kids; camp scholarships; assistance with rent, utility bills and medical bills; school supplies; clean up kits for water problems; and, right now, Oklahoma relief.

The most important part is the spiritual side of things. None of this is cheap and that’s why your donations are needed. The Salvation Army also sells purses, belts, shoes, and scrap metal. It is very resourceful in raising money to help others.

The Salvation Army is always in need of volunteers during the summer, even if it’s just half a day a week. Come in and see what we do (besides having fun).

Marlene Main

Newton