HELENA — Good Samaritan Ministries Thrift Store, like many thrift stores, has stopped collecting most donations due to COVID-19 concerns.
Staff say unfortunately people have still been dumping a lot of items on their doorstep, despite signs saying otherwise.
“It’s just not safe right now,” said Store Manager Michelle Hughes. “We have to keep our staff healthy so that we can continue to do our mission.”
Hughes says people have left everything from bags of clothes to large pieces of furniture.
The store is accepting good condition furniture, but only by appointment due to the safety precautions they have to take.
Good Samaritan helps thousands of people every year through their assistance ministry, which are still up and running. The assistance program funds whatever services are needed to help people overcome hardship and not end up homeless.
The nonprofit says they’ve seen around a 60 percent increase in people requesting services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are a lot of people out there now and always needing help and assistance,” explained Hughes. “Whether it be food, clothing, furniture or housing and that’s what we’re here for. We want to continue helping the community especially in this trying time.”
Good Samaritan says the best way to help right now is to make a monetary donation, especially due to the rise in people needing housing assistance.
If people are able to hold on to their clothes and other items, the nonprofit will be accepting all good condition donations once it’s safe to do so.
More information about Good Samaritan Ministries services, and how to help, can be found here.
