September Stop N’ Shop Update

In our last update, we told you about how the Stop ‘N Shop at the Senior Center of West Seattle was having record-breaking sales and receiving more donations than it’s ever had before. We are excited to report that the trend is continuing as the proceeds support so many services and programs the Senior Center offers to its members as well as our community!

As we mentioned previously, donations are being accepted by appointment only. Because of the large amount of donations over the past several months and the very small space we have to process them, we need to continue asking that donors call the Shop for an appointment before bringing in their goods.

However, sometimes abundance can come with some problems. Donations have been flooding thrift stores across the country by people who have been homebound for months and are eager to clear out some of their possessions. While most contributions we receive are perfectly acceptable, there are many items that cannot be sold at the Stop ‘N Shop because they are worn out, broken, dirty, moldy or in some way hazardous. Items that cannot be sold become a problem for the Shop in that we have to re-donate them to another source that can repurpose them or we have to take them to a transfer station. This costs the Shop time, labor, and money. This means many donations can actually become a fairly large expense, rather than support the Senior Center.

What we can sell are clothes, household items and decorative items that are gently-used, clean, in style, and in good condition — and without tears, holes, stains, chips, or missing parts. We also do very well with vintage and antique items. To assist donors in knowing what they can donate there are lists of what we can and cannot accept on the Senior Center’s website (sc-ws.org).

The Stop ‘N Shop is open Thursday through Tuesday, 11 am-4 pm. Come in and look around; people are always amazed at the special finds they discover. The Shop is a great place to meet others in our wonderful West Seattle community!

Best,

-Senior Center of West Seattle