KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
Clothing sits piled up while waiting to be sorted at the American Rescue Workers in Williamsport on Tuesday. ARW has launched a special Lenten donation initiative, encouraging individuals and families to place one item per day into a bag throughout the Lenten season to be donated at its conclusion.

Although most people associate Lent with giving up something, the American Rescue Workers are calling on the community to give much-needed items to support their mission of repurposing clothing, shoes and lives.

Due to the ongoing effects of inflation, donations of clothing, shoes, housewares, and furniture have dropped dramatically, especially last summer and fall. This leaves ARW critically low on resale inventory now–an essential funding source for its life-changing programs, according to information released by ARW.

To help combat this shortage, ARW has launched a special Lenten donation initiative, encouraging individuals and families to place one item per day into a bag throughout the Lenten season to be donated at its conclusion. According to Jennifer Rempe, director of Development and Community Engagement, the idea for the bags came from a colleague at the United Way.

This simple act of generosity can make a profound impact on those in need while supporting ARW’s mission to assist struggling individuals and families through its programs, the release stated.

“Our organization relies on the generous donations of our community to sustain our vital programs including three homeless shelters, a food pantry and rent & utilities assistance. Right now, we are at a crisis point,” said Dawn Astin, Business Administrator at ARW.

ARW operates ten thrift stores which fund about 50 percent of their operational and program costs.

“During the winter months, most people are not cleaning out their closets or their basements. Overall, last year, people were holding onto their items longer due to economic uncertainty, which is understandable, but it has left us critically low on inventory. People are also just trying to sell their stuff as well for a few extra dollars to stretch their own budgets. Without these donations, our ability to help those in need is greatly diminished,” Astin said.

The ARW is hopeful that with brighter weather just around the corner, more donations will start to come in. Yard sales season will help too, but, to get a jump on that, they came up with the Lent product donation idea, the release said. .

“Jennifer, our Development Director has been talking to service clubs for the past few months, encouraging them to donate during the Lent season, no matter your faith. We were even giving out trash bags to collect the items in,” Astin said.

For more information on how to donate or to schedule a free pickup, visit arwwilliamsport.org/donations or call 570-323-8401 x1 to make an appointment for a pick-up.

Items may also be dropped off at the 643 Elmira Street location at the loading dock near High Street.

“We know our dock area is not the easiest to navigate, which is why we have always had the free pick-up, anywhere within 30 miles of our 10 thrift stores, and our Blue Bins, located throughout the Susquehanna Valley,” added Astin.

The ARW Blue Bin locations can be found on the organization’s website.

“Every donation makes a difference. Whether it’s a gently used coat, a pair of shoes, a set of dishes, or a couch, these items help generate the resources needed to provide food, shelter, and emergency assistance to those in need. Join us in making a difference–one item at a time,” the news release said.

It also noted that ARW will come out to any club or company to talk about their services to help educate about what and how they provide their critical services.