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Do IT this week: Layering
By Bob Dyer
Beacon Journal columnist
POSTED: 06:06 p.m. EDT, Sep 16, 2009
She is standing in her cramped living room in the bowels of Nimmer Place, a public-housing complex for seniors on the eastern edge of Akron.
Even on this sunny summer afternoon, her basement apartment isn't getting much light. Her hair and her sweatshirt are gray, and the paper bags and boxes in the center of the room are brown. But Marion Lesher's enthusiasm for her cause radiates from her face like a full-spectrum rainbow.
''Look at this one!'' she exclaims, holding aloft a baby doll. ''Isn't she precious?''
She unfurls a handsome oriental rug that appears to be unblemished.
''This is the kind of stuff they throw out all the time!''
By ''they'' she means the folks who run the Goodwill store at Midway Plaza.
For more than two years, Lesher has climbed into her electric wheelchair a couple of times a week and driven half a mile to Goodwill's Dumpsters, where she has used a garden tool to retrieve a wide variety of items she didn't think belonged in the trash.
Dolls. Rugs. Coffee makers. Baby blankets. Sleepers. Cooking pots. Decorations. Curling irons. Sweaters. Candles. Can openers. Purses. Shoes.
She brings them home, cleans and washes and tests them, putting new Energizers in the things that need batteries. Then her daughter swings by with a van, loads up everything and takes the items to the drop-off center at the Haven of Rest, a private shelter for the poor and homeless just east of downtown Akron.
''I must have 10 curling irons in mint condition,'' Lesher says, looking around the room. ''Brought them home, plugged them in to see if they work. They're still in the box.''
The concept of donating donations came to her one day while she was walking her dog at the plaza and noticed a Goodwill worker ''throwing out good stuff.''
''I got 12 grandchildren who don't want for nothing,'' says Lesher, 63, ''but I know a lot of kids out there don't have that. . . . I know I'm making someone's kids happy, and that makes me happy.''
She's not nearly as happy lately. Hasn't been since Aug. 25, when Goodwill e-mailed the Tallmadge Police Department to ask for assistance in shooing away garbage pickers.
Before Lesher began her mission in 2007, she called the Tallmadge police and asked whether it is illegal to take things from trash containers. She was told it was not.
''Many times when I was over there, I'd see the Tallmadge police circling around, and they'd say, 'Hey, are you getting anything good out of there?' I'd say, 'The Haven of Rest is gonna love me this week!' ''
Tallmadge Police Lt. Ron Williams says garbage picking is not stealing, but, depending upon the circumstances, getting access to the container could be viewed as trespassing.
''I've driven behind that building many times and seen people in Dumpsters and let them go about their business because nobody cared at the time,'' says Williams. ''In general, we don't ask people to leave Dumpsters unless we're requested by the management of the company — and in this case we were.''
Williams says Goodwill contacted the department after employees watched a man climb into the bed of his pickup truck and break the locks off of two Dumpsters, and in another case watched adults place children inside a Dumpster to do the scavenging.
Goodwill's Valerie Still, vice president for employee and public relations throughout a five-county region, says Goodwill has begun to lock Dumpsters primarily to prevent people from hurting themselves.
Even a woman in a wheelchair who is grabbing items with a garden tool?
''Even if she's got some sort of tool, the items in there could be broken or have some sort of sharp edges,'' says Still.
Well, OK. Maybe. But beyond that, why are all these apparently pristine items — some in their original boxes or with price tags still attached — going into the trash in the first place?
Still says ''a large portion'' of the nice-looking items are thrown out because they have been deemed dangerous by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The remainder are ''things that are broken that we couldn't salvage, or items like textiles, clothing that is mildewed or bug-infested.''
When told Lesher washes, dries and sometimes even repackages clothing and bedding, she says, ''We don't really have the capacity to wash or dry-clean any items, so if they are stained or mildewed or bug-infested, obviously we don't want to damage any other product on our store floor.''
But the woman whose relatives call her the ''Goodwill Bandit'' insists Goodwill is fudging, that plenty of the discards are perfectly safe and desirable — especially to the homeless.
The Rev. Ben Walker, executive director of the Haven of Rest, says he doesn't know whether his group accepts things more readily because his items are handed out free, rather than sold. But he says the Haven has its own screening process, including a little workshop, that would catch anything dangerous. And the type of things Lesher has been donating are exactly what the Haven needs.
That's not always the case.
''We've had bowling balls donated,'' Walker says with a laugh. ''What's a homeless person going to do with a bowling ball?''
The Haven doesn't particularly care where a donation comes from and doesn't ask.
''All I can say is, if the items she is dropping off are usable, and the things she's done work on are in good, usable order, then it has worked out well,'' says Walker.
Lesher isn't surprised her donations of donations are welcome at the Haven. But she is flabbergasted by Goodwill's stance.
''I'm not doing any harm,'' she says. ''I'm not making a mess over there. I'm just a slightly soiled senior citizen trying to give things to people who can use them. . . .
''I was trying to do it incognito. I didn't want publicity. But when they told me they were going to arrest me if I go back over . . . ''
I say throw the book at her. Just make sure it doesn't have any sharp edges.
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
She is standing in her cramped living room in the bowels of Nimmer Place, a public-housing complex for seniors on the eastern edge of Akron.
Even on this sunny summer afternoon, her basement apartment isn't getting much light. Her hair and her sweatshirt are gray, and the paper bags and boxes in the center of the room are brown. But Marion Lesher's enthusiasm for her cause radiates from her face like a full-spectrum rainbow.
''Look at this one!'' she exclaims, holding aloft a baby doll. ''Isn't she precious?''
She unfurls a handsome oriental rug that appears to be unblemished.
''This is the kind of stuff they throw out all the time!''
By ''they'' she means the folks who run the Goodwill store at Midway Plaza.
For more than two years, Lesher has climbed into her electric wheelchair a couple of times a week and driven half a mile to Goodwill's Dumpsters, where she has used a garden tool to retrieve a wide variety of items she didn't think belonged in the trash.
Dolls. Rugs. Coffee makers. Baby blankets. Sleepers. Cooking pots. Decorations. Curling irons. Sweaters. Candles. Can openers. Purses. Shoes.
She brings them home, cleans and washes and tests them, putting new Energizers in the things that need batteries. Then her daughter swings by with a van, loads up everything and takes the items to the drop-off center at the Haven of Rest, a private shelter for the poor and homeless just east of downtown Akron.
''I must have 10 curling irons in mint condition,'' Lesher says, looking around the room. ''Brought them home, plugged them in to see if they work. They're still in the box.''
The concept of donating donations came to her one day while she was walking her dog at the plaza and noticed a Goodwill worker ''throwing out good stuff.''
''I got 12 grandchildren who don't want for nothing,'' says Lesher, 63, ''but I know a lot of kids out there don't have that. . . . I know I'm making someone's kids happy, and that makes me happy.''
She's not nearly as happy lately. Hasn't been since Aug. 25, when Goodwill e-mailed the Tallmadge Police Department to ask for assistance in shooing away garbage pickers.
Before Lesher began her mission in 2007, she called the Tallmadge police and asked whether it is illegal to take things from trash containers. She was told it was not.
''Many times when I was over there, I'd see the Tallmadge police circling around, and they'd say, 'Hey, are you getting anything good out of there?' I'd say, 'The Haven of Rest is gonna love me this week!' ''
Tallmadge Police Lt. Ron Williams says garbage picking is not stealing, but, depending upon the circumstances, getting access to the container could be viewed as trespassing.
''I've driven behind that building many times and seen people in Dumpsters and let them go about their business because nobody cared at the time,'' says Williams. ''In general, we don't ask people to leave Dumpsters unless we're requested by the management of the company — and in this case we were.''
Williams says Goodwill contacted the department after employees watched a man climb into the bed of his pickup truck and break the locks off of two Dumpsters, and in another case watched adults place children inside a Dumpster to do the scavenging.
Goodwill's Valerie Still, vice president for employee and public relations throughout a five-county region, says Goodwill has begun to lock Dumpsters primarily to prevent people from hurting themselves.
Even a woman in a wheelchair who is grabbing items with a garden tool?
''Even if she's got some sort of tool, the items in there could be broken or have some sort of sharp edges,'' says Still.
Well, OK. Maybe. But beyond that, why are all these apparently pristine items — some in their original boxes or with price tags still attached — going into the trash in the first place?
Still says ''a large portion'' of the nice-looking items are thrown out because they have been deemed dangerous by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The remainder are ''things that are broken that we couldn't salvage, or items like textiles, clothing that is mildewed or bug-infested.''
When told Lesher washes, dries and sometimes even repackages clothing and bedding, she says, ''We don't really have the capacity to wash or dry-clean any items, so if they are stained or mildewed or bug-infested, obviously we don't want to damage any other product on our store floor.''
But the woman whose relatives call her the ''Goodwill Bandit'' insists Goodwill is fudging, that plenty of the discards are perfectly safe and desirable — especially to the homeless.
The Rev. Ben Walker, executive director of the Haven of Rest, says he doesn't know whether his group accepts things more readily because his items are handed out free, rather than sold. But he says the Haven has its own screening process, including a little workshop, that would catch anything dangerous. And the type of things Lesher has been donating are exactly what the Haven needs.
That's not always the case.
''We've had bowling balls donated,'' Walker says with a laugh. ''What's a homeless person going to do with a bowling ball?''
The Haven doesn't particularly care where a donation comes from and doesn't ask.
''All I can say is, if the items she is dropping off are usable, and the things she's done work on are in good, usable order, then it has worked out well,'' says Walker.
Lesher isn't surprised her donations of donations are welcome at the Haven. But she is flabbergasted by Goodwill's stance.
''I'm not doing any harm,'' she says. ''I'm not making a mess over there. I'm just a slightly soiled senior citizen trying to give things to people who can use them. . . .
''I was trying to do it incognito. I didn't want publicity. But when they told me they were going to arrest me if I go back over . . . ''
I say throw the book at her. Just make sure it doesn't have any sharp edges.
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Akron, Oh
Posted 06:32 PM, 09/16/2009
WOW!!! This sure is a wasteful society. Instead of repairing items, it's easier to throw things away. Shaking my head....
Lower Akron, OH
Posted 06:39 PM, 09/16/2009
What is that on your face?
Posted 06:59 PM, 09/16/2009
People have died in dumpsters.
This consultant says that a reasonable compromise will be to put things to the side for her.
Posted 07:07 PM, 09/16/2009
If an item is in good shape and still works why throw it away when someone could still use it. I say let the lady do her thing and if she gets cut that is her fault and I bet she feels the same way. I have a rich friend that has thrown things away in the past and now she gives them to me and if I can't use them or knows someone that could I bring it to Good Neighbors and they gladly except it. God bless you for your caring for others.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:10 PM, 09/16/2009
Perhaps Goodwill could invite Haven of Rest to come to the store and view the items the staff intends to dispose of, before the items are placed in the dumpster.
Sometimes common sense seems to be missing from people who otherwise try to help those in need.
akron, oh
Posted 07:33 PM, 09/16/2009
There are real dangers in dumpster diving. You can get cut deeply and get a bad infection.
akron, oh
Posted 07:36 PM, 09/16/2009
Perhaps Goodwill is looking at possible legal action if they say nothing and someone gets hurt.
Stow, Oh
Posted 07:32 AM, 09/17/2009
What a great heart she has but.......
there is no freaking way I am bringing things into my house that not only do I not know how clean its former home was but it has sat in a filthy dumpster with "bug infested" items????
Posted 07:34 AM, 09/17/2009
Goodwill should be investigated, where in the world DOES all the money go they bring in from the stores AND their big online auction site? I get into people's pockets, and in the meantime they throw away items that people can actually use. Hurricane/National Disaster you see Red Cross,Salvation Army -never Goodwill.
akron, oh
Posted 07:38 AM, 09/17/2009
dont give to goodwill, give to salvation army or directly to the haven of rest. these organizations make sure people in need get items they desperately need. goodwill's operations have always been suspect.
Canton, OH
Posted 07:38 AM, 09/17/2009
Godfather - huh? i don't always agree with you but you at least usually maks sense - are you trying to make up for the fact that Loren hasn't posted for awhile?
There is a guy who calls one of the local radio talk shows who calls himself Dumpster Diver...
Akron, OH
Posted 07:56 AM, 09/17/2009
Maybe the medics will go there for a run since they are there at least 15 times a day for runs and she will have so much stuff in there it will be deemed a fire hazard and a social worker will have to come pay a visit
Posted 08:00 AM, 09/17/2009
This makes me sick. Bad will can't take the time to clean things up so through it away. What is Valerie Still's salary. Is it public information or private? I say people should drop their items at the Haven of Rest or Battered Women’s Shelter rather than Badwill. This is a shame. I will never step foot in a Badwill store nor will I EVER donate to Badwill again.
Akron, Oh
Posted 08:02 AM, 09/17/2009
Goodwill has the same right to tell people to stay out of their trash as anyone else. Would anyone like to have this lady looking through their trash?
Posted 08:09 AM, 09/17/2009
@Deidre It's Neil Young, Why?
akron, oh
Posted 08:14 AM, 09/17/2009
my mom worked with good will for awhile. said they routinely threw away stuff they didn't "like". tons of items in good condition. why can't goodwill donate their castoffs directly to shelters? probably some legal BS that no one would understand...
Wadsworth, OH
Posted 08:19 AM, 09/17/2009
First I thought this was going to be a story about
a Hoarder.....
But this woman isn't doing anything wrong, if they are so worried about her getting cut or dying and suing them, have her sign a waiver that releases goodwill from being held responsible in the event she is injured or killed while taking things from their dumpster/trash.
People today get to bent out of shape about things.
Have her sign a waiver and leave her alone!
She is helping the homeless and not hurting anyone.
Posted 08:26 AM, 09/17/2009
@Idleworship:I believe there is precedent regarding trash. When "trash leaves your house...it is viewed as fair game. Any lawyers out there?
Posted 08:47 AM, 09/17/2009
While I certainly understand the concern for safety, I can't fathom throwing things away that other charities would be happy to have.
I say Goodwill should step up and start working with Haven of Rest and other shelters. If they have the capacity to screen items that Goodwill doesn't, let them have the stuff.
Posted 08:50 AM, 09/17/2009
There's always someone who ruins things like the guy who was breaking the locks. Punish those people, not the ones who are doing good.
Posted 08:58 AM, 09/17/2009
Something that saddens me is that Marion Lesher is a senior citizen that appears to be living alone. She has a kind spirit of heart to take it upon herself to do something nice for others that most of us don’t give a thought to doing because we are so caught up in our own lives. Marion found a way to be a productive part of society, something that many senior citizens would love to have back in their lives. Goodwill… If you do not wish to have Marion going through your trash, why not invite her to go through your “trash” before you through it away so you can support her in her effort to do something productive and kind for the less fortunate. Then you, as an organization, can be considered to have a kind and with “Goodwill”.
_________, OH
Posted 09:00 AM, 09/17/2009
Right on cj1404
I agree. Her intentions are good. But not safe. Maybe she could work a deal with Goodwill. They could save the "clean" discards in a box or shopping cart in the store.... let her go through them then discard. There's a solution here I am sure. So what do you say Goodwill and Marion? But dumpster diving???? Dangerous occupation!
chippy: You're right. These etablishments and their "rules" are so confusing they themselves probably don't understand them.
Akron, , OH
Posted 09:05 AM, 09/17/2009
Goodwill and the grandma are both doing a service!! The only fear is from the legal group who will make them pay..
Yep can't do any good any more until we check with the make em pay guys.. You know,,,,, the guys and girls who make the laws the ones who approach the bench and spew their argument!! The ones that take 30% and don't pay their taxes.
Canton, OH
Posted 09:05 AM, 09/17/2009
Godfather and James - my bad - not thinking yet this morning. and i had nothing to do with the fact that Godfathers post was removed!!!
akron, oh
Posted 09:06 AM, 09/17/2009
After reading this story, perhaps people should think twice about donating to Goodwill. I will donate my items and money else where.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:21 AM, 09/17/2009
Marion Lesher has a great heart. If more people had the heart she did, the world would be a much better place. I feel for her, she is doing a positive and productive service for the homeless, she is serving a purpose. Let her be.
cuyahoga falls, Oh
Posted 09:23 AM, 09/17/2009
Overtaxed Voter
Akron, OH
Posted 07:10 PM,
09/16/2009 Perhaps
Goodwill could invite Haven of Rest to come to the store and view the items the staff intends to dispose of, before the items are placed in the dumpster.
Sometimes common sense seems to be missing from people who otherwise try to help those in need.
You are 100% correct and this is a magnificent suggestion.
Goodwill could even honor Ms. Lesher and call it the "Goodwill's Lesher Donations" or something.
ravenna, OH
Posted 09:26 AM, 09/17/2009
Hello!
First of all, God Bless you for doing such a wonderful thing for a great cause. You are my new hero *smiles* Just when i loose faith in today's society I run across a human as kind as yourself. Breath of fresh air my friend!! Anyway, long story short, I used to work for a local Goodwill Industries store in the past. Since seeing their practices (yes, the merchandise the "throw out" is appalling, as you know already). Secondly, from a consumer point of view, basically anything of "real value" is auctioned off on the shopgoodwill.com website. God knows where the money goes from there. The stores are basically only shelving a very small percentage of their donations, the rest is disposed or or auctioned. It is very sad and for this I only donate to local centers that I know that they will give anything and everything away to the ones who need it as it is very apparant when you visit the centers. Do not give up on your cause; if safety is an issue with the dumpster, i am sure there are dozens of people reading this right now that would be more than happy to assist you in the actual "collecting" process. I for one would. Once again good luck, and God Bless you and your cause!!!
The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
-- Benjamin Franklin
ravenna, OH
Posted 09:28 AM, 09/17/2009
Hello!
First of all, God Bless you for doing such a wonderful thing for a great cause. You are my new hero *smiles* Just when i loose faith in today's society I run across a human as kind as yourself. Breath of fresh air my friend!! Anyway, long story short, I used to work for a local Goodwill Industries store in the past. Since seeing their practices (yes, the merchandise the "throw out" is appalling, as you know already). Secondly, from a consumer point of view, basically anything of "real value" is auctioned off on the shopgoodwill.com website. God knows where the money goes from there. The stores are basically only shelving a very small percentage of their donations, the rest is disposed or or auctioned. It is very sad and for this I only donate to local centers that I know that they will give anything and everything away to the ones who need it as it is very apparant when you visit the centers. Do not give up on your cause; if safety is an issue with the dumpster, i am sure there are dozens of people reading this right now that would be more than happy to assist you in the actual "collecting" process. I for one would. Once again good luck, and God Bless you and your cause!!!
The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
-- Benjamin Franklin
cuyahoga falls, Oh
Posted 09:32 AM, 09/17/2009
hsrez
akron, oh
Posted 07:38 AM, 09/17/2009
dont give to goodwill, give to salvation army or directly to the haven of rest. these organizations make sure people in need get items they desperately need.
Yepper, I quite agree!
As a child, my family needed assistance a few times and the Salvation Army came to our rescue. The only thing required from us was a need.
I remember the two strong men bringing in a refrigerator once then came back into the house with bags of food. However, the only item I remember in the bags of groceries were those big delicious glazed donuts (or is it doughnuts?)
I didn't understand what was going on until I reached my teenage years.
I have made the Salvation Army my charity of choice through volunteering and through financial assistance.
May God continue to bless them even though they may not be the same as they were forty plus years ago.
AKRON, OH
Posted 09:50 AM, 09/17/2009
@ Just_Browsing_2, Do you really believe there was some guy who was breaking the locks? I'm sure that was just their excuse to stop this lady from taking stuff out of their Dumpsters. I am glad I stopped donating to Goodwill.
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:59 AM, 09/17/2009
Fred, I see your point. Maybe goodwill should consider donating what doesn't sell to organizations that would give these items away to the needy.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Posted 10:07 AM, 09/17/2009
The world needs more people like this lady. Picking through a dumpster is not a pleasant task, and if this makes her happy then I say Godspeed.
At the same time I won't say a disparaging word about Goodwill either; I'm sure this is born of some liability concern.
Maybe an equitable solution would be for Goodwill to set aside things that might be of use to the homeless, if people like this woman are willing to donate their time to ferry it to places like Haven of Rest.
Paradise, Oh
Posted 10:27 AM, 09/17/2009
Marion...bless your heart!
This has become an ugly, unfriendly world.
Akron, oh
Posted 10:33 AM, 09/17/2009
People should make sure they aren't donating trash that is bug infested and dangerous. Goodwill isn't a trash site that is available to get rid of your garbage. People need to sort their items and donate appropriately.
Green, Ohio
Posted 10:38 AM, 09/17/2009
This I think is kind of tough. Here are my thoughts
1. What the woman is trying to do is incredibly generous and caring. The way she went about by sneaking is her first mistake. She should have asked the Goodwill to be able to do so. Or go to Goodwill and as they are going through the stuff getting ready to throw it away she could ask them to give it to her.
Now if Goodwill says no, then I would say shame on you Goodwill and would put the word out to everyone about what they are doing and not go there to donate or shop anymore.
2. Goodwill has the right to decide what is worth while to sell in the store. Please remember Goodwill takes stuff people are going to to throw away. They take the time to go through and decide what is good, bad or worthy. That is their right to do so. The trash dumpsters are dirty and unsafe and she should not be going into them because of the dangers and so on. Items that are still good, that Goodwill does not want should be offered to someone if at all beneficial.
So in my thoughts it is not clear and black and white on who is right and who is wrong. Both sides have legitimate reasons for their actions. I hope that an agreement can be reached between the two in this issue.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:43 AM, 09/17/2009
You guys wouldn't believe what places like Goodwill throw out. You also would be shocked to see what retail stores throw out.
In my time, I've discovered a couple brand new computer desks, lots of lamps, great software, paper supplies, printer cartridges and other useful items at Staples in the original boxes that were tossed out because of a small scratch or because they were returned.
I've found computers, christmas decorations, brand new paperback books, toys, video games, CDs, DVDs, etc. etc. all in perfectly good condition. I have Pier One furniture that normally costs hundreds of dollars that I got for free.
It's amazing stuff and all headed to the landfill. Many places have gone to locking their Dumpsters because of supposed "liability" concerns.
I've made thousands of dollars selling items on eBay, Craigslist and at garage sales that have been thrown out by businesses.
I no longer Dumpster dive. But for a period of two years, it was great fun. I still have a really nice metal and glass computer desk from Staples that I use every day, a lovely Pier One end table and other items in my home.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:51 AM, 09/17/2009
Just My Opinion -
Yes, there really are vandals that break locks on Dumpsters. It's a pretty serious issue now that so many stores have put locks on their garbage bins.
To continue my previous line of thought, you'd never believe what grocery stores throw out. Perfect produce is tossed out by the ton, simply because they get new stock in and have to make room. All sorts of fresh food that reaches a so-called expiration date is tossed, still in the packages and still good. That food is usually edible and fine for another week or two.
I know it sounds gross to the unexperienced person, but Walgreens tosses gallons of milk a couple days before they reach the sell-by date. Well, in the winter that milk sits in a Dumpster and stays cold and is still good for another 5 to 7 days if it hasn't been opened. It is not rotten or spoiled. It is simply being wasted.
Our food bills would probably go down by 20% if stores didn't completely waste food.
CuyahogaFalls, oh
Posted 10:53 AM, 09/17/2009
The battered womans shelter is another good one. I wouldn't give to goodwill if they came to the door to pick it up.
Akron, oh
Posted 10:56 AM, 09/17/2009
portage lake guy - your comment is boring
Akron, OH
Posted 10:57 AM, 09/17/2009
ZipsBBFan,
Dumpster diving is not nearly as unsafe as you think. I've spent entire nights going from store to store and finding carloads of brand new stuff.
I wore work gloves and heavy shoes. You're not just jumping in and rolling around in piles of trash and broken items. Usually you carefully open the door, give it a look and pull out one or two items that are good.
I've only occasionally needed to actually enter a Dumpster, and that's only after I've checked for broken glass, nails, etc. In that case it's because the Dumpster was so full of great items that it literally took me an hour or two to pull everything out. Hard work but tons of fun. And very rewarding to come home at 6 a.m. after spending the night out retrieving thousands of dollars worth of brand new merchandise that was headed to the landfill.
tallmadge, oh
Posted 10:57 AM, 09/17/2009
I applaud this woman for taking the time out of her life to help others. I don't believe that Goodwill is concerned about the safety of others. It is probably just some meaningless words prepared by some legal department. The woman was using a garden tool to get things out - she wasn't jumping in the dumpster. Perhaps Goodwill should prohibit those with walking canes from coming into their store - they could knock over something with the cane and cut themselves on sharp objects. Let's not forget wheelchairs - could run over something and cause harm. Give me a break. They should be ashamed of their wastefulness - and more ashamed of their complaint against this woman. I will never donate another item to them. Just another ungrateful charity!
akron, oh
Posted 11:02 AM, 09/17/2009
god bless her heart.
Green, Ohio
Posted 11:03 AM, 09/17/2009
Wow ladybug1, I could care less what you think. And you words were so profound that you should be a scholar and or mentor to all because of your greatness, NOT! You offer nothing but criticism, so go take your meds and crawl back to your hole.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:09 AM, 09/17/2009
I think that Goodwill could make an acceptation on this one...if they're worried about being sued then they should have this woman sign something...there is no reason in the world this woman can't take stuff that is thrown away...she has a tool to fetch these items out with...and like I said...Goodwill, or whomever could be sued, can have her sign something relinquishing them from the responsibility if she gets hurt...come on folks...are ya kidding me?!!? Arresting an old woman trying to do a little good in our community?!!? This woman’s actions need to be celebrated not punished...what kind of message is this sending? I think she needs to receive a medal from the city thanking her for her efforts and her contribution to this community...God Bless her! :)
Akron, OH
Posted 11:11 AM, 09/17/2009
What's an acceptation?
Akron, OH
Posted 11:21 AM, 09/17/2009
...as far as other people are concerned with regards to dumpster diving...there perhaps needs to be a warning label that says something like "Dumpster Dive at your own risk." Like the Mc Donald’s coffee cups that say "caution!! Contents may be hot!" (duah!)
What does this say about a society that is worried about getting sued if someone get's hurt while going thru YOUR trash...(shakes head)
I don't know what's worse...the preserved threat of being sued if someone gets hurt dumpster diving or arresting a woman who is dumpster diving to retrieve items that may be of use to someone in need...
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 11:22 AM, 09/17/2009
LOL
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 11:24 AM, 09/17/2009
This woman isnt hurting anyone,this is making her feel better so let her keep doing it..who cares?
Heres my Goodwill story,my g/fs Mom worked there.she got brand new shoes,designer jeans,new watches,gold chains.She said the employess look at the stuff first and take what they want .You wouldnt believe what all she got.course Karma is a bitc* she did get fired..deservedly tho.
But leave this lady alone ..
Green, Ohio
Posted 11:27 AM, 09/17/2009
The problem is with exception, comes more people wanting exceptions. More issues arise from allowing one person and soon then others and then it gets all out of control.Goodwill is no different then what the guy was saying above. Evry store whether it be, grocery, office, department and any other does this and have always done this. America is the land of waste and at the same time the land of recycling. Did you know that in Japan, they keep nothing and throw it away period. The do not have any recycling and once something is being thrown away, it will not be recycled by anyone. Of course they keep things for much longer than us in the USA and they do not have as many things as us. We throw so much because, we have so much.
Acceptation
* Main Entry: ac·cep·ta·tion
* Pronunciation: \ˌak-ˌsep-ˈtā-shən\
* Function: noun
* Date: 15th century
1 : acceptance; especially : favorable reception or approval
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 11:29 AM, 09/17/2009
what a load of it
uniontown, oh
Posted 11:33 AM, 09/17/2009
How about asking the dead beat "homeless by choice" residents at the Haven of Rest go and get the goodies from the dumpster themselves. Then give Granny a job at the Goodwill to select what to toss in the can. I know, makes way to much sense and I'm not sympathetic to the homeless democrats in Akron. Maybe the unemployed safety forces could be used to guard the dumpsters. I'm sure Goodwill would pay them at least the minimum wage. That way Tallmadge PD wouldn't have to waist their time doing it for free. Hey Tallmadge and Green, you folks need any safety forces?
Akron, OH
Posted 11:37 AM, 09/17/2009
Portagelakesguy,
I appreciate your thoughts. But I'm not sure where you got your information on Japan and recycling. It's totally wrong.
Japan is probably one of the most progressive nations on earth with regard to recycling items and reusing materials.
They have very limited landfill space and have strict laws that require significant recycling of resources.
For example, retailers and manufacturers in Japan must take returns of appliances they've sold when their useful life is up and cover the cost of recycling.
Glass, aluminum, steel, plastic, etc. are all recycled in Japan.
Japan sends only about 16% of its solid waste to landfills, compared with 70% of our waste here in the United States.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:42 AM, 09/17/2009
okay...bump the exception thing...write it into law that you can't sue someone if you get hurt dumpster diving...then the woman could still do her thing and everyone doesn't have to worry about getting sued...
or we could do what we've done with the pan handlers...have people that wanna dumpster dive register...we could issue them a card to present to police if stopped for divin'...
Whatever the resolution is isn't the point...my point is that this is even an issue...
Akron, OH
Posted 11:51 AM, 09/17/2009
...forgive my common misuse of acceptation for exception...my bad
akron, oh
Posted 11:54 AM, 09/17/2009
If the ABJ really did it's job of "Investigative Reporting" why don't they ask to see the Goodwills trash reports from all of their stores and main warehouse on Waterloo Rd. I used to Moonlight as a driver there, and I will tell you folks they produce so much trash it's crazy. C'Mon ABJ, do your job.
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 12:06 PM, 09/17/2009
I tried to donate items to the Battered Women's Shelter and was told they were not accepting anything. So I took them to Goodwill. I wished I had taken them to the Salvation Army. They probably threw away my donation.
akron, oh
Posted 12:15 PM, 09/17/2009
@Godfather: I LOVE YOUR POSTS! Neil Young RULES!
Akron, Oh
Posted 12:16 PM, 09/17/2009
Hey, if she's ever arrested they'll consider both the wheelchair and the garden tool as "criminal tools."
Stow, Oh
Posted 12:24 PM, 09/17/2009
This story is just a tip of the iceberg on wastefulness.
A friend and I once watched McDonalds THROW AWAY the rest of the breakfasts because it was one minute past breakfast time!!!
Yeah, they just grab the giant trash cart on wheels and dump all that hot food.
We asked them why they don't donate it.
They said because of risk of lawsuit.
My next thought was sell it for a nickel then.
I think throwing away food is worse than some junk donated. jmo
Green, Ohio
Posted 12:25 PM, 09/17/2009
johnsmith2009- you are talking about Japans recycling of trash. I am not talking about recycling of trash. I am talking about recycling of still good, reusable working items such as what Goodwill does, not recycling of recyclable trash items. Yes, Japan recycles trash at an incredibly high rate. They do not recycle and reuse good working items. This article is about people reusing good items from Goodwill. They do not do this in Japan. They keep something for ever until it is for sure broken or no longer needed. You do not have people put a TV out to the trash and have some one grab that TV from the trash and resell it to someone else. Trust me, I work for an international recycling company.
Stow, Oh
Posted 12:27 PM, 09/17/2009
I donate up at Sill school in Cuyahoga Falls.
It is Good Neighbors mostly run by retired folks.
I actually get misty eyed when I see a person down on their luck pulling up to "go to the cupboard".
I donate warm coats and boots and food.
akron, oh
Posted 12:45 PM, 09/17/2009
We are never going to donate their ever again. We gave them alot of nice things, and have it thrown away is wrong. Does anyone know where Haven of Rest is? We would like to start donating their.
m, m
Posted 01:22 PM, 09/17/2009
Thank your government for keeping us safe and landfills full. The lawmakers passed a bill stating that toys must be tested for lead and a chemical before sold. Now, in the hand of the CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION they took it to mean ALL toys new or used that are sold must be tested. This means stores like Goodwill CANNOT sell toys, unless they can without a doubt know they are 'safe' without testing. (usually Little Tikes is deemed OK). Testing can run $20 PER toy !!!! Of course, Wal-Mart buying a lot, need only to test one in the lot. Making it financially doable. But not stores or boutiques with just one of an item, or an used item for sale. Many 2nd hand stores are suffering, as people donate toys that cannot be sold. The 2nd hand stores have seen a decrease in profit.
Posted 01:48 PM, 09/17/2009
No instead, let's just throw all of the extra, good items away! What idiots!
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 01:55 PM, 09/17/2009
@citizen 62
I like your idea of Goodwill hiring this lady..I think its great actually...Hey Goodwill ,HINT HINT! they should make it right by her and hire her.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 01:57 PM, 09/17/2009
@ben over,
I do as well.Good Neighbors is a very big hearted group.I donate to them as well as the womens shelter.
AKRON, OH
Posted 02:25 PM, 09/17/2009
Dactyl since you are so worried and harsh to a little old woman trying to help our ever failing society, maybe you should volunteer to help her clean and package the things she collects and her living space would be a lot less crowded as I am sure you would be there daily to make sure it kept moving, right? No, then don't comment on people you are nothing like because you have no idea what it takes to be a selfless person....
cuyahoga falls, oh
Posted 03:22 PM, 09/17/2009
Goodwill has lost its mind and its focus and no longer has any recall of what its purpose is. These are a bunch of tight pencil pushers with nothing to do other than make someone's life miserable. Absurd. The director should be fired if she can't rethink the stupidity of her statements and direction. The Goodwill licensing sgould be looked at by the city's own pencil pushing folks. And just like the Salvation Army years before them, who gave away thousands of gifts for the Christmas poor to wage earning families without hesitation, they have lost their way.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:40 PM, 09/17/2009
Our "throw-away" society strikes again. Why doesn't Goodwill get that woman to sign a waiver that she won't sue if she gets injured? That way, many people can benefit from her efforts.
Akron, OH
Posted 04:03 PM, 09/17/2009
Dubl L,
Good idea. But if they allow this woman access to their Dumpster, they must legally allow access to everyone. This is precisely what they're trying to avoid.
Despite what they say, this is not about someone getting hurt. This is probably about keeping people off the property after hours and to prevent employees from dumping good items in the Dumpster and then returning later to pick up the trash (i.e. stealing).
Akron, Ohio
Posted 04:03 PM, 09/17/2009
I hate some trash diggers... before we got the big plastic bins and placed bags on the curb, they used to come around and cut the bags open to see if there was aluminum in there. Then the trash would get all over the curb, the trash men wouldn't pick it up and I was left cleaning the shît up.
akron, oh
Posted 04:15 PM, 09/17/2009
peebs02
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 01:55 PM, 09/17/2009 @citizen 62
I like your idea of Goodwill hiring this lady..I think its great actually...Hey Goodwill ,HINT HINT! they should make it right by her and hire her.
she is to intelligent for them to hire her. all they want is mindless dolts who throw away good stuff. trust me, the people who go through this stuff, have no idea of what they are looking at or for. i bet you could ask some of their employees who work in "eletronics" and ask them what UL stands for.
Da ghetto of Fairlawn, OH
Posted 05:26 PM, 09/17/2009
What an unselfish person! Many of the "charities" throw or wont accept good items unless it meets some unkown critera. I threw out a perfectly good couch once because Salvation Army said they couldn't sell it in their store.
Akron, Oh
Posted 06:01 PM, 09/17/2009
Maybe all you people should go to The Job Center and see Goodwill in action. Goodwill's mission is to Help Individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Goodwill works with people to find jobs or get a better education to find work. Now you don't have to wonder where all the money goes from the retail stores.
m, m
Posted 06:38 PM, 09/17/2009
Once, again. Many toys cannot be resold by law. It is sad. What is WORSE, is that the CPSC is also has a rule in place that gives libraries one year to destroy all children's books between certain years (lead in the ink). Libraries too have been tossing out completely good 'book kits' because items in the kit needed 'tested' to prove safety. This is Goodwill reacting to a law run amok.
(and for the libraries, fortunately some in Congress is looking to exempt libraries. And don't forget. Selling toys at a yard sale? You too are in violation of CPSC rules for reselling of kids toys !!! )
Akron, Oh
Posted 06:54 PM, 09/17/2009
In all logic , there are 2 sides to everything , after this woman leaves how many other people climb into the dumpster and throw the discards every where on the ground , extra work for someone else to clean it up , shes doing a good thing there should be an easy solution here somewhere , pour a little ammonia water in the dumpster before you lock it up for the night , it keeps flys away
Akron, OH
Posted 06:58 PM, 09/17/2009
This is the certainly the last straw with me and Goodwill though my suspicion was about the practices of a different one in another time and place.
For any items anyone has and needs to dispose of that might truly be recalled (and there are a lot of recalls of food even) what would be the best way to assure no one got them inadvertently?
A reminder to us all to evaluate these places that purport to help others. Shouldn't the secretary of state have an evaluation of charities that is available? Beacon-Journal, can you check this Goodwill out?
Citizenk62, how are you so sure Democrats are the ones who are homeless? Is that because they are the only ones who do for others? Or do/did you illegally fire them when working at the job you got only thanks to others & so figure they have become homeless?
akron, oh
Posted 07:41 PM, 09/17/2009
goodwill should be ashamed of thereself trash is trash who cares they probably think shes making a profit and there losing out!
Akrom, Oh
Posted 08:10 PM, 09/17/2009
This country has become a throw away society. Almost everything is designed to be disposable in a very short time. Cars, appliances, cloths furniture, even food. Just think back 30 or 40 years, how long did your stoves and fridges last? I only remember having 1 or 2 the whole time growing up. Not now 3 or 4 years and it's time for a new one! Every thing would probably be 30 or 40 percent cheaper if all the waste and inefficientcy was stopped. No wonder this country is falling behind all the other industrial nations in every category. I'm glad I'm almost 60 yrs. old so I won't see the demise of all that is near and dear to most Americans. If we don't change real soon it will be a very bleak place to live!
Canton, Oh
Posted 09:10 PM, 09/17/2009
ITA Franco. Where I live, trash day is Mondays. We put out our trash on Sunday nights. There are 3 or 4 pickup trucks that have circled and circled every Sunday for the 11 years I have lived here. If I think I have something I think they want I just put it next to the barrels. Old heaters, kids junk etc. They never dig thru the recycling bins or mess up my trash. I figure, live and let live. We all need to find our place in the world. The woman in the article is doing good for others. If Goodwill is throwing up these obstacles then I hope they get bit by karma. I will never "donate" to them again. I like the Salvation Army and the Village better anyhooooo..... JMHO
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:37 PM, 09/17/2009
It is extremely sad and unfortunate that people can be so ignorant.Who has taken the time to learn what Goodwill's mission is about before spouting off"I'm never donating to them again" And if you happen to shop there are you looking for something clean, free of chips or flaws at low cost? I've heard friends talk about Goodwill because of the quality they put on they're shelves, not quantities of trash that belong in the DUMPSTERS! Ms. Lesher has a strong will to help but needs to find a better, safer and sanitary way of doing it. Her and Goodwill Ind. are on the same page, TO HELP OTHERS
akron, oh
Posted 01:35 AM, 09/18/2009
If you take anything to the Haven, make sure it's all 'cool' and up to date stuff. They may be poor and needy, but they won't even look at a coat that is out dated..We took stuff there in good condition but it was out of date coats and shirts, and we were told they won't wear it...
akron, oh
Posted 07:48 AM, 09/18/2009
so i guess if you want to help fund people looking for jobs, donate to goodwill. if you actually want to help clothe someone in desperate need then donate to the haven or salvation army. goodwill is a crooked organization who is governmentally funded. the job center could stand alone by itself without our donations.
@Akronred...tell Nan we all said hi.
everywhere, oh
Posted 08:57 AM, 09/18/2009
Wow, learned alot about Goodwill from the posts here. Doesn't seem to be a good business.
Posted 09:24 AM, 09/18/2009
If Goodwill deams they can't sell an item, then they should donate it to the poor, and homless.. what are we coming to? arrest people who are trying to help people? God help us....
greenville, pa
Posted 09:51 AM, 09/18/2009
I think someone has a hoarding problem and should seek help.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:21 AM, 09/18/2009
If you all knew the vocational programs that Goodwill of Akron offered to the community, you would have a different take.
Goodwill's philosophy is to "teach a man to fish"...Therefore the focus is on helping those with barriers to employment find and retain jobs, becoming more self-reliant. That is where the $$ from the stores goes...to their wide variety of programs. Programs that help many who may otherwise fall through the cracks.
Also, if Goodwill put every item donated onto the store floor, the store woould look like an indoor junk yard....and smell even worse. Why fault them for having some standards?....This lady's allegations seem kinda suspect to me.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 11:55 AM, 09/18/2009
@dduckster..LOL your probably right!!!!!
@Sunni..it would make it smell worse than what it already does? I go in there usually for an item for a halloween costume.After I leave I have to use my Purell immediately and blow my nose to try to get that smell out.I itch almost immediately upon entering and have to go right home and shower LOL...course thats just me.
akron, oh
Posted 02:24 PM, 09/18/2009
SHHHH if that nice old woman keeps making good use of the throw away items, then those crooks at Good will would not be able to ask for more donations.
akron, oh
Posted 02:29 PM, 09/18/2009
at least your showering!
Canton, Oh
Posted 02:42 PM, 09/19/2009
No peebs, it is not just you! I notice that my nose itches like crazy too. And that smell! My kids say that the place smells like an old lady.
Akron, OH
Posted 03:35 PM, 09/19/2009
That is creepy, but I knew a lady who would make her granddaughter rummage throught the CEMETARY dumpster for flowers. Different strokes for different folks....but still creepy.
CF, oh
Posted 08:11 PM, 09/19/2009
You can thank the courts,judges and attorneys who make cases against companies for ridiculous perceived liabilities for people who "got hurt" on their business property. Businesses are advised to cover themselves from these bs lawsuits. That's why your disposable coffee cup says "Liquid is hot". McDonald's paid big for that one.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 11:30 AM, 09/20/2009
This lady's career is over. The new toxicity laws now pertain to used toys and clothes that contain lead.
We cannot poison our homeless citizens anymore. The shelters have long ago stopped taking in food from caterers because of health concerns and this should apply to toys and clothes as well.
If you were a child, would you like to receive a used toy for that holiday celebrating someone's birthday. Her name escapes me.
akron, oh
Posted 08:44 PM, 09/20/2009
I thought they were writing a bill that purposes that any business that sells or distributes items that contain lead could be held liable. If Goodwill is throwing away lead-tainted toys to protect kids and someone digs them out of the dumpster to give them to another non-profit, the secondary non-profit could be held liable. I think Ms. Lesher's intentions are wonderful and noble. However, her acts of kindness may be putting Haven of Rest and children at risk if she is distributing items that were thrown away for lead content.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:05 PM, 09/21/2009
A few comments:
The Salvation Army refused to take a love seat I had because they said they couldn't sell it. I guess it probably wasn't in the best condition, but someone might have wanted it.
I used to volunteer at the Haven of Rest sorting clothes, and they told us to throw out anything with a broken zipper or missing buttons. Don't you think a homeless person would rather have a coat with a missing button than no coat at all?
About throwing out food at McDonald's: I worked at a cafeteria in college, and after closing, the employees could eat what was left. Then the cooks (not students, regular employees) would put on an extra basket of fries about 2 minutes before closing, and then they could eat them, because it was either that or throw it out. Then management made us have receipts for everything we ate, so they went to the cashier and had them save a receipt when someone bought a hamburg and fries, or whatever they were going to get, and they would use that to "prove" they paid for their meal. I thought management was petty, making us pay for meals, except that they were cooking extra food just to get it for free, so it really was stealing. A few people ruin it for everyone. Employee theft is rampant. Or at least it was, 30 years ago. Everyone is looking to cut costs, maybe they have put a lid on some of this.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:11 PM, 09/21/2009
Goodwill has a right to be selective about what they SELL but why throw away good stuff? Why not re-donate?
There are a few people in pickups that circle my block on trash day, too. I put an old broken refrigerator out on the curb, and it was gone within the hour, for the metal. I say, more power to them. If they can make a living cleaning up other people's trash, great! I don't want to do it. God bless.
ProChoice, OH
Posted 09:00 AM, 09/24/2009
Leave the lady alone. At least she's doing something good w/perfectly good stuff.
