Thrift store dumping puts damper on operations

Local hospice gift and thrift stores have been bombarded recently by overnight trash dumping, generating excessive work for volunteers and cutting into operating costs.

Volunteers at both stores in Truckee and Kings Beach have been showing up in the morning to find overwhelming amounts of trash left at the doorstep, store officials said.

“These people take a great deal of pride in the store and the money they help generate for hospice,” said Stephanie Hanson, hospice director. “It is quite discouraging to see the place they work so hard for, literally trashed.”

The trash dumping has become so abundant store officials were forced to hire someone to collect the trash and dispose of it.

Thrift store volunteers have also had to ask the disposal company to come collect the trash, creating unplanned expenses for the hospice organization.

The hospice thrift stores would like the community’s help in alleviating this problem so volunteers can focus on keeping the store clean and processing donations.

Drop-off hours

The Hospice Gift and Thrift stores cannot accept mattresses, box springs, or large appliances such as refrigerators, or ski equipment.

Donations are accepted during regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Both locations accept donations including small kitchen appliances, furniture, clothing, books and housewares.