Shelter to make changes after donations thrown out

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

After dropping off some items to the Community Crisis Society’s women’s shelter, one Strathmore resident was a little heartbroken to find out the items had been thrown in the garbage. Amburlea Carlson had called ahead about donating items, and was told to put them against the garage, and not obstruct the walkway. She did as instructed, and noticed the items sat there for several days. Then one day she noticed them in the dumpster.
“I know it was a mistake, it was just frustrating to see formula that they could have used, and diapers and clothes and new (high) chairs tossed away, it was upsetting,” said Carlson.
“I can’t say how it happened but certainly it was a mistake,” said Penny Glenn, program manager with the society.
There has been extensive work happening at the shelter, with the remodeling of the backyard, and lots of service people and construction workers coming and going. Carlson wonders if maybe one of the construction workers tossed items in the garbage, and clarified she doesn’t think anyone from the shelter did.
“I think it was just a mistake, but I don’t think it was a mistake on any of their staffs part. I think it was probably just mixed up with construction stuff, other than that I can’t think of anything they are doing wrong because they do such a good job,” said Carlson.
Glenn and Carlson have spoken a few times since the incident happened.
“She made a couple of suggestions which I think are excellent and we’re going to follow those up,” said Glenn.
“One of them was that we have signage right at the shelter, in addition to on our website, regarding donations, of anything, cash, goods, whatever. (The sign will state) that no items are to be left in front of the garages or anywhere in the yard of the shelter without approval from the office.”
There will be her and one other person who will take those calls, and it will only be the two of them accepting it and explaining why they can or can’t take items.
“She had some valid points that I think could be incorporated easily, and we’re going to work on those,” said Glenn.
Carlson said the response from the society to her concerns was quick, she was ensured it would never happen again and was satisfied with the response she received.
“That’s really important that people still support it, accidents do happen but its upsetting because I think everybody looks at one isolated incident and just labels the shelter, they’re not counting all the good things they’ve done,” said Carlson.
Another thing she and Carlson talked about is updating the wish list on the website monthly, outlining what the shelter is in need of at the time, and whatever the shelter will never be able to accept. The shelter will also keep up the items that they really need, so even if the list doesn’t change from month to month they will make sure it has a fresh look and that people will be able to donate exactly what’s needed for clients.