Pandemic spring cleaning: You're tossing, who's taking?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic you may have time on your hands and the urge to tidy.

But if you're looking for your regular charity or not-for-profit to accept those kids' toys, books or old clothes right now, you're likely outof luck.

Most thrift stores and charity organizations aren't accepting donations during the pandemic.

"This virus has caused chaos in the province of Alberta. We've had to temporarily close our doors," said Doug Roxburgh, spokesperson for Goodwill Industries of Alberta.

Roxburgh said the temporary closure is an unprecedented move in Goodwill's nearly 60-year history.

In an interview onCBC Radio's Daybreak Alberta, hesaid Goodwill has laid off almost all of its 800 employees and is now working with a "skeleton crew."

"We're not taking donations for a couple of reasons:the health and safety of our staff and the health and safety of our donors coming in," he said.

Roxburgh isdiscouraging people from dropping and dashing at closed Goodwill donation sites, something he said they're already starting to see happen.

"Don't use our sites as a dumping ground. Just hold onto your donations for now because you're going to be helping people when this is all said and done, and at the end of the day that's what Albertans do," he said.

Thrift closures

Goodwill is not alone. Roxburgh points to other organizations like Value Village, Salvation Army, Bissell Centre Thrift Shop and Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Shops. All are not accepting donations as a result of the pandemic.

"Our hearts continue to be with all of those who have been affected," Value Village CEO Mark Walsh said in a statement about the closure of stores across North America.

"We look forward to reopening our doors and welcoming our team members and customers back very soon."

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There are some exceptions. Roxburgh said some small community groups or local churches may still be taking donations. So are places like Find Edmonton.

Although Homeward Trust's Find Edmontonretail operations are closed to the public, spokesperson JanineTremblay said they are still taking some items like couches, dressers, small kitchen tables, chairs, love seats, TVstands and shelving.

Find Edmonton is only receiving items at the Donation Centre at5120 122nd St., which isrunning on reduced hours with extra cleaningprecautionsand procedures in place.

"We ask that people come around the back of the building and leave small items on the tables in the back. For large items we ask that people either unload themselves or allow our team to unload from their vehicle, but to maintain social distancing we cannot help people to unload," Tremblay said.

Eco stations

The City of Edmontonis also makingchanges this week.

"We have temporarily closed Ambleside Eco Station, the Reuse Centre, the Reuse area at Kennedale Eco Station, as well as the paint exchange areas at all Eco Stations," said Chris Fowler, director of waste collection services.

There have been no changes to the city's waste collection services and garbage and recycling collection remainon the same schedule.