Are you purging unused items around the house and creating a less cluttered, more functional space? The things overwhelming your space do not necessarily belong in the trash. Donating household goods that are in saleable condition to Opportunity House’s dropoff recycling program will benefit the homeless population of Reading, PA, through our OppShop retail thrift store.
Introduction to Opportunity House
For nearly four decades, Opportunity House has provided the homeless population of Berks County with emergency shelter and services designed to support them as they overcome impediments to securing and sustaining permanent housing.
In addition to housing services, we provide early childhood education at the Second Street Learning Center and a reuse/recycle program through the OppShop retail thrift store we operate.
Reuse and Recycle to Benefit Opportunity House
Opportunity House’s program for recycling allows residents of the area to donate unwanted but saleable items to promote the works of Opportunity House. Things in our inventory that go unsold are directed to our warehouse, where we recycle them through various recycling specialists around the country. Each year, we recycle 700,00 pounds of items. All profits of OppShop go toward the expenses of the homeless shelter.
We also make the inventory of OppShop available to Opportunity House residents for shopping through our voucher system. We find that personally selecting the clothing and other items they need is a powerful tool for building confidence.
What to Consider for OppShop Donations
The goods you donate to OppShop should be appropriate for resale – clean and functional, without defects or stains. We accept clothing, media, books, kitchenware, seasonal items, furniture, jewelry, flatscreen TVs, purses/bags, shoes, and toys.
We can’t accept chemicals; building supplies; older TVs, stereos, copy machines, or computer monitors; infant/toddler furnishings; office chairs without all of the wheels; tires; or carpets.
How to Make Donations to OppShop
Whether you have a couple of grocery bags of goods to donate or many, OppShop makes your donations easy with three available options:
- Donations may be made behind the OppShop physical location at 3045 5th Street Highway in Reading, PA;
- Donations of clothing, books, and media can be deposited in an OppShop donation bin in the community at all of the following locations:
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 50 Luther Drive, Mertztown, PA
- American Legion, 133 Centre Avenue, Topton, PA
- Berks Recycling Center 1316 Hilltop Road, Leesport, PA
- Main Bird Park, 226 Water Street, Birdsboro, PA
- Weis Shopping Center, 61 Kings Highway, Oley, PA
- West Lawn UMC, 15 Woodside Avenue, W. Lawn, PA
- Immanuel UCC, 99 S. Waverly Road, Shillington, PA
- Wyomissing Family Restaurant, 1245 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing, PA
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 117 E. Arch Street, Fleetwood, PA
- Allegheny Lutheran Church, 1327 Allegheny Road, Mohnton, PA
- Wyomissing Square Apartment (Parking Garage), 100 North Park Road, Wyomissing, PA
- St. Paul’s UCC, 5 West Arch Street, Fleetwood, PA
- Arrangements can be made for the pickup of bulky items, i.e., furniture.
Why Shop at OppShop
OppShop is a bargain hunter’s paradise! Why waste your hard-earned money to pay full retail prices when you can buy personal and household goods at significantly reduced prices? We welcome you to check out our ever-evolving inventory, knowing that every purchase you make will support the programs and services of Opportunity House.
In Reading, PA, arrange for dropoff or pickup of your excess property for recycling through OppShop, Opportunity House’s thrift store. While you eliminate the excess in your home, you’ll be helping those without a home. You can also contribute to the work of Opportunity House with a donation by clicking here.
