FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Second Saturday" returns this weekend

Spring cleaning?  Donate household goods, clothing, more

Chillicothe, OH (April 8, 2008)This weekend’s return of “Second Saturday” provides a convenient opportunity for area residents to help others in the community. The monthly outreach, co-sponsored by United Way of Ross County and James 218, a ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church, seeks donations to meet both special and routine needs of local human service agencies and their clients.

Donations will be accepted Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the downtown drive-thru & drop-off collection site in the parking lot beside 30 East Main Street, just west of the Horizon buildings.

For residents who are busy with “spring cleaning” chores, the timing is right to donate household items that otherwise might be discarded. These donations will help Goodwill Industries replenish stock for its retail stores which fund other programs for its clients.  

“Collecting and distributing donated goods is not our mission. Rather, it’s the funding source for our mission,” says Keith Alcorn, executive director.  Proceeds from retail sales fund Goodwill’s workforce development programs which help people with unique challenges overcome barriers to employment through job training, placement and mentoring. Also funded is the integrated workshop which employs developmentally disabled individuals and others in the community. Another program provides free transportation to eligible seniors and others for appointments, grocery shopping and necessary errands, Alcorn explained. “Our Goodwill Store also offers affordable shopping for clothing and household items.”

Other local agencies are asking for food, cleaning supplies, and various items for children’s programs.

Specifically, the needs are:

• Goodwill Industries: Household items, such as dishes, flatware, kitchenware, small appliances, gently used clothing, toys and furniture.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters: Kids’ swimwear and sunscreen; hygiene products, especially shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant.
• Homeless Shelter for Men: Bread, sugar; cleaning supplies; paper supplies; mops, brooms, garbage bags for community service projects.
• Interagency Child Care:  Diapers, all sizes; children’s art and craft supplies
• Salvation Army:  Coffee for homeless day shelter; kid-friendly juices and snacks, such as fruit rollups, cookies, crackers, pretzels, cereal, for latchkey program.

For more information about Goodwill or to interview Keith Alcorn, call 702-4000.