Special to the Reporter

Goodwill recently implemented changes where it is no longer purchasing bulk items from other organizations, including the Mercer Island Thrift Shop.

Thrift shop staff is now searching for additional options to sort through and maximize the impact of all donated items while keeping the shop from overflowing.

On average, the thrift shop wholesaled 37,000 pounds per month of items that staff could not sell at the shop to Goodwill that were usually sorted and sold through its retail stores.

The city is asking the community to be extra-mindful when donating items. Only donate goods that are clean, functional, and fit the quality standards that customers have come to expect when shopping at the thrift shop. Avoid adding items that are heavily worn, broken, or need to be recycled or disposed of (scratched Teflon pans, stained clothing, deeply scuffed shoes, for example). This helps ensure the shop can maximize community donations to benefit Youth and Family Services and avoid hefty disposal fees for items that staff simply can’t sell.

Some items that the thrift shop could use at this time are back-to-school goods (coats and backpacks in good condition), fall sports gear (outgrown cleats or clothes, sport bags) and Halloween items (costumes and decor).

The thrift shop also needs to reduce donation hours until it can get another partner on board. The thrift shop will only accept donations from 8-10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday through the end of September. The shop is also unable to accept large-volume donations, such as estate donations, during this time.

For more information, visit https://www.mercerislandthrift.org/items-we-accept