Oscar the Grouch would be ashamed. Even he knows that the proper place for trash is inside of a garbage receptacle.

Lately, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Thrift Store at Smokey Point has found itself on the receiving end of a large amount of unwanted trash. The “donations” were left at the store’s drop off area where NMCRS Everett Director Andy Leech said some of the good will contributions were causing more trouble than help.

“Because they’re only here Wed. through Sat., our problem is that there’s just no way to bring all these things in,” said Leech, waving his hand at the broken mattresses and soiled clothing that had piled up in the four days since the thrift shop was last opened. “And some things like furniture and mattresses we simply can’t accept for health reasons. Likewise, with the child car seats there are state laws that say you’ve got to have all the proper certifications to resell them.”

The Thrift Store is always looking for, and appreciative of, donations, said Leech. But they ask anyone planning on leaving contributions after hours to be sure it’s on a night when the store is open the next day and that it’s items they can accept.

When unusable items are left at the Thrift Store drop box, it creates needless work for the helpers who volunteer there and costs money. NMCRS has to hire someone to take the effects to the dump. This takes away from Thrift Store profits that otherwise would have been put into the NMCRS and made available as interest free loans or grants for Sailors needing assistance.

The Thrift Store donation point is located directly in front of the entrance to the store. Leech said that items can become dirty from the elements when left out for long periods, which is the reason they’d like to have items dropped off on a work night.

“This is all we have to protect things from the elements,” said Leech, pointing to small awning in front of the Thrift Store.

Leech hopes the donations will continue to flow in, but at the right time.

“We very much appreciate the Sailor’s thinking of us and making contributions. If they have any question whether it is something that we can accept, I encourage them to give the thrift shop a call.”

Volunteers are always welcome at the Thrift Store as well or at the NMCRS providing financial assistance for Sailors and their families.

The Thrift Store is open Wed. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Andy Leech at (425) 304-3203.