Our first Red Phone caller of the week, looking for a place to
donate her used clothing, asked the Crimson Crusader to come up
with a list of deserving charity organizations that accept clothing
donations.
Our first Red Phone caller of the week, looking for a place to donate her used clothing, asked the Crimson Crusader to come up with a list of deserving charity organizations that accept clothing donations.
A quick call to Lula Cordova at Community Pantry revealed that the food bank does accept donations of used clothing. Donations can be dropped off at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Those wishing to free up some space in their sons’ and daughters’ closets can donate children’s clothing, preferably in good condition, to Chamberlain’s Children Center. Chamberlain’s, a child and family service agency that teaches and heals children and families who have experienced trauma, is located at 1850 San Benito St.
Emmaus House, a local nonprofit hoping to get the county’s first battered women’s and children’s shelter started later this year, also accepts clothing donations, said director Nants Foley. Although it accepts donations, most of the clothing donated to the organization is funneled to St. Vincent dePaul Thrift Store located at 680 College St. in Hollister. Foley encouraged locals to donate their used clothing directly to St. Vincent.
Those looking to get rid of that old business suit or collared shirts and slacks can donate such items to Jeannee’s Boutique, which helps San Benito County employment training programs, at 111 San Felipe Road, Suite 108. However, it’s a good idea to call ahead at 637-9293.
And the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Thrift Store is always in need of used clothing, said spokeswoman Frankie Valent. She encouraged locals to visit the shop at 930 Sunset Drive during normal business hours.
The Crimson Crusader was able to compile this partial list in a matter of hours, but points out that many other organizations that accept used clothing could not be included on this list due to time and space constraints.
Officials at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce also suggested that those looking to donate used clothing consider stopping by one of the dozen or so local migrant labor camps.
Absentee voting woes
Another Red Phone caller, frustrated that his absentee ballot was not delivered to his rural District 4 home in time to vote in the June 6 primary election, urged the Crimson Crusader to make sure his voting materials were delivered well before the general election in November.
The Crimson Crusader made a quick call to longtime County Clerk/Auditor/Recorder John Hodges, who said the best thing for voters who haven’t received their ballots to do is call the San Benito County Elections Office at 636-4016.
“I’ve got absentee ballots coming back return-to-sender from last year,” Hodges said. “It’s possible that it just never made it.”
Absentee ballots for the November election will be sent out about 30 days before the election. Hodges said those who don’t receive their voting materials promptly should call or stop by the elections department.
“The sooner we know about the problem, the better,” Hodges said.
