Goodwill, other nonprofits fight over used clothing

SACRAMENTO --Goodwill Industries of San Joaquin County in Stockton is trying to corner the market on used clothing, other charities are complaining, and the conflict has moved to Sacramento.

With many of its donations of used clothing and other goods coming from drop-off sites with attendants on duty, Goodwill wants to make it easier for property owners to get rid of rival collection boxes that sit unattended in parking lots and other locations.

As a result, it is pushing legislation written by Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) that would limit the financial liability of property managers for removing the unattended boxes.

The boxes hurt Goodwill’s business, spokeswoman Sally Wooden said.

“Operators put a box in parking lots right in front of our stores, which confuses our donors,” she said. “In most cases, the textiles, shoes, etc., are shipped out of our community.”

But other nonprofits call Galgiani’s bill blatantly unfair. “Goodwill is trying to ice the competition,” said Jonathan Franks, a spokesman for D.A.R.E, a drug-education organization, and Planet Aid, which provides assistance to poor people overseas. Both groups maintain collection boxes around the state.

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