AHUKINI — “I told my people that today is the collection day, and if they had anything, they could bring it in to the office and I would bring it down,” said a worker with the county’s Engineering Department. “This is such a good program, we need to support it.”
The worker’s contribution was just a small part of the Salvation Army ARC monthly donation event taking place at the Kaua‘i Resource Center on Ahukini Road, Friday.
“It’s been busy, as usual,” said David Chung, the ARC team leader for the Kaua‘i trip. “It’s not even lunch and already we’ve processed more than 115 cars since 8 a.m.”
The monthly collection closes at 3 p.m.
The steady stream of cars never ceased as the flow of contributors moved past the ARC team. Motorists and contributors are asked to remain in their vehicles due to health and safety concerns with heavy equipment in the area and to reduce the chance of injury to customers unloading heavy items.
“We’ve already finished two shipping containers with contributions,” said Shantelle Rego, the Solid Waste project manager. “This is the usual number of containers we send out each collection. We’re already closing off the second container so we’re going to have to start the overflow pretty soon. This is all items that won’t make it to the landfill.”
During the ARC monthly donation events, residents, businesses, and other groups can bring in unwanted or unneeded items for resuse, including clothing, small furniture, children’s toys, books, and even shoes.
Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition. Torn or stained clothing is accepted.
However, contributors should not bring eWaste, chemicals, appliances, or broken items.
People are also encouraged to check with their local thrift stores to see if they are capable of taking in the donations before bringing them to the Kaua‘i Resource Center.
The ARC team arrives a few days ahead of the collection event at the KRC, and offers pick-up services to thrift stores and businesses. The pick-ups can be arranged by scheduling when calling 8080241-4336.
Individuals that would like home pick-up service should contact the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 808-355-6105, or RP’s Random Closet at 808-346-0020. Individuals should note that RP’s Random Closet is a for-profit agency.
Chung said the next ARC collection will take place July 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Resource Center.
