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A neighbor with a house stuffed full of 50 years accumulation died last fall and his relatives held a couple of estate sales the next month. Despite that, there was still a huge amount of stuff left and they hauled off some but eventually a gigantic spread of decent-looking household items including furniture, lamps, dishes, and accessories appeared on the curb last week with a sign for Salvation Army pick-up. A large sign that said "Salvation Army - take all."
The Salvation Army truck didn't come for a few days and I noticed that several times people would stop their cars, get out, look things over, and take what they wanted. By the time the truck got there, the pile was greatly diminished.
At first, I was surprised at the nerve of people. But then it occurred to me that it was the curbside aspect that allowed some people to think they could help themselves. After all, if I left a donation on my porch I certainly wouldn't expect anyone to come onto my property and help themselves to it.
What do you think? Were these people thieves or opportunists? This is a typical suburb (no HOA) where people occasionally put things on the curb with a "free" sign. That was not the case this time.
On the curb means free to anyone, especially as you say that people periodically put things out with free signs Don't know why Salvation Army didn't come by sooner.
The sign was ambiguous, since it could just be saying that the items are for giveaway, and the custom in the area is for people to put things on the curb for giveaway. Also, the pile was there for a few days, reinforcing that nobody wanted the stuff. I'd say opportunists.
But the sign did specifically state Salvation Army, not "free" as other neighbors have done. The relatives clearing out the house live in the next town so I assume they put it out on the day they called and then went home. The truck did come a couple days later.
Charities often do not accept all donations. I had problems with working printers including extra ink cartridges and even a flat screen TV with mount and remote.
The items found a new home. People will use them.
It depends upon where you live... my last condo backed up to a fairly busy street and I never had a problem getting rid of items.
The fastest turn was when I had four bar stools and carried the first two out, came back two minutes later with the second two and the first one were already gone... the second two were gone in a few hours.
The slowest turn I had was a full piece of 1" PVC pipe that stayed a few days.
I put out everything from house plants, a sink, TV, cable boxes, to a old BBQ grill... all just went.
Personally if I saw a sign that it was for the Salvation Army I'd leave it alone...but being on the curb, not a
porch, I could see where others may feel it was for anyone...and still others wouldn't care anyway.
Location: Stuck on the East Coast, hoping to head West
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I would have left it alone. I would not have expected others to.
I don't think the family cared where the stuff went as long as it was gone. Otherwise, they would have taken more care with the stuff.
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