Thrift stores prepare for busy week

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Charity thrift stores like Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army are preparing for the busiest time of the year.

This week, hundreds of people will be stopping by to get rid of old items to make room at home.

"We brought an assortment of things. We brought some old drawers, tennis rackets and some used books," Salvation Army donor Kevin Durgin said.

Tax deductions also bring donors to thrift stores.

Salvation Army General Supervisor William Foster said he and his crew will have their hands full processing year-end donations until Jan. 1 and have already planned to bring in extra staff to handle the influx of people.

"I would say if you are donating, come early, because there can be a backup this week," Foster said. "We will have extra trailers for people to come out and donate so we won't have traffic backed up to the street."

If you are donating items, be sure to get a receipt showing what you gave. 

"It does make a difference," Salvation Army donor Harriet Waldrop said. "You just have to make the time to write down all the information. Anything that helps you on your  taxes, I'll take it right now."

What you get back in a write-off is based on what you bring. Salvation Army will take anything ranging from clothing to even cars.

"Somebody donated a sport cars one year," Foster said. "It had 6,000 miles on it. It was brand new. He was a military guy going overseas."

If you can't physically go to the Salvation Army store, you can schedule a donation pickup at your home.