Inundated Clothes Closet won’t accept donations through Thanksgiving, but here’s how you can dispose of unwanted household items, goods

Beth Christian Broschart
November 15, 2022

BUCKHANNON – The Clothes Closet is currently not accepting donations at least until after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Upshur Cooperative Parish House & Crosslines Executive Director Kristi Wilkerson, who operates the Clothes Closet, said they will not be accepting donations during their regular business hours or after hours at this time.

“We have been inundated with items that are just not useable, so, unfortunately, we have had to throw away a lot of things recently,” Wilkerson shared. “We are deeply grateful for community members who donate clean, gently used items, but are currently unable to take donations until after Thanksgiving as we have received a surplus lately.”

The Clothes Closet is located at 47 Sedgwick St. in Buckhannon and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. They depend completely on donations from individuals and community organizations such as churches, civic groups and businesses and they use these items to sell in the thrift shop to generate funds as well as provide clothing vouchers for families in need.

Wilkerson said when choosing items to donate to the Clothes Closet, a good rule of thumb to follow is this: if an item is not one you, your family members or friends would use or wear, it is unlikely the Clothes Closet could make use of it.

“We cannot accept items including mattresses or upholstered furniture,” Wilkerson said. “We do not have space for large items, unfortunately. We also cannot accept items that are broken, torn, wet, or mildewed.”

So, what should folks do with these bulky items they can no longer use? We’re glad you asked.

Randy Sanders, Buckhannon City Recorder, posted that the City of Buckhannon is having a Bulky Goods Collection beginning at 5:30 a.m. this Friday, Nov. 18. His post said the items picked up can include couches, chairs, mattresses, appliances, etc.

“All Buckhannon Waste Department customers are allowed 4 items per month, and 8 tires per year,” Sanders said in the post. “Customers must call City Hall at 304-472-4984 by Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, to schedule a pickup.” Items must be placed at the curb by 5:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18 to ensure pickup.

When accepting donations, the Clothes Closet takes gently used and new clothing items of all sizes, including scrubs, shoes, socks, coats and jackets; household items such as bakeware, cookware, small appliances such as toasters; books; decorations; jewelry; purses; and many other items.

Families are eligible to apply through the Parish House to receive clothing vouchers throughout the year to receive free clothing for family members, including shoes, boots and a jacket when available and household items if needed.

Wilkerson again thanked those who have donated to help the Parish House and Clothes Closet help neighbors in need.