Rather than contributing to the incredible waste that fills landfills, consider recycling through donation programs operated by Opportunity House of Reading, PA.
Opportunity House, operating since 1984, provides shelter and services for the homeless population of Berks County. We also provide transitional and permanent housing, early childhood education, and a reuse/recycle program.
Opportunity House’s Reuse and Recycle Program
The two components of our Reuse and Recycle Program include the OppShop retail thrift store and our warehouse.
All of the profits made at OppShop go to the work of Opportunity House. OppShop, located at 5th Street Highway in Reading, PA, is an excellent opportunity for deal hunters, the eco-conscious, and those interested in helping the work of Opportunity House.
OppShop Inventory
Items that we accept, resale, and recycle include those that can be sold at our thrift store, so they need to be in good condition and fall within one of the following categories:
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
- Media (CDs, DVDs, and VHS) in original cases
- Kitchen utensils and cutlery
- Dishware and cookware
- Holiday items
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Flat-screen televisions
- Purses and bags
- Shoes
- Toys
We, unfortunately, can’t accept any of the following items since we can’t sell them, and disposal would take valuable resources away from the charity:
- Chemicals
- Televisions that are not flat screen and stereo systems
- Copy machines
- Building supplies
- Infant and toddler furniture
- Computer monitors
- Office chairs with four or fewer wheels
- Carpets
- Tires
When donated items don’t sell at OppShop, we recycle them through a trusted network of recyclers around the US. This program recycles about 700,000 pounds of items annually.
Donate Items to OppShop
If you’re interested in donating OppShop, we provide a few different options:
- Drop off behind the thrift store (staff will help unload);
- Drop off within one of our many bins throughout the community (clothing, media, and books in grocery-sized bags). Large-sized trash bags will not fit in the bin. Click here to locate a bin, and please take care to leave the area around the bin clean.
- Pick-up service for bulky items like furniture. Remember that the pieces need to be in saleable condition, and our crews will have to turn down things that aren’t appropriate for resale.
The Mission of Opportunity House
The ultimate goal of Opportunity House is to help the homeless. We operate the emergency shelter on a 24/7/365 basis for the men, women, and families with children in Berks County who find themselves without a home.
Opportunity House shelters an average of 500 clients annually, providing a safe place to shelter, three meals and a snack every day, access to showers and laundry facilities, and critical services to overcome the challenges that led them to homelessness.
When clients arrive here, they receive a welcome kit with essentials for hygiene and self-care, and we provide a voucher for clients to shop at OppShop for additional items they might need.
We will help clients secure identification to apply for a driver’s license, benefits, and employment, access medical care to overcome physical, mental, and addiction challenges, and receive case management services for badly needed guidance in an overwhelming situation.
Recycling products through Opportunity House’s donation programs in Reading, PA, is a great way to help the environment, declutter your home, and support the charity’s mission.
