Bin there ... done that

Dodgy donations force charity organisation to downsize in Henderson and the Shore so it can continue to help families across the city. Sophie Bond reports.
When I think of the rubbish we were getting in there," Abby Smith shakes her head. "Some of the bins were a bit old and leaky so, by the time you got to the clothes, they'd be musty."
Mrs Smith is regional manager of the Turnaround recycled clothing stores in Henderson, Orewa, Browns Bay and New Lynn, which raise money for Iosis Family Solutions (see below).
After enduring the rubbish dumping and the struggle to maintain the collection bins, Mrs Smith has decided to remove all but two of the large orange clothing collection receptacles in an effort to make the stores more profitable and increase the quality of donated goods.
"We had 20 of the orange bins, many outside churches around Auckland, and a truck that would pick up the stuff once a week."
She says people put things in the bins that they would never donate in person because they could remain anonymous.
"Some people seemed to eat dinner in their clothes and then chuck them in dirty. People would throw meat pies in and all the clothes would be trashed. It ends up costing us because then we have to take the junk to the tip and if people leave old televisions and the like next to the bins we're obliged to clean up."
Outside Turnaround in New Lynn, the orange bin is still in place and one at the Orewa store is staying, too.
"Because of the recession we're trying to cut costs and we've sold the truck. These two bins are easy to empty. We don't want to lose the contact with the churches so we're happy for them to collect donations in their offices and we go around and pick them up.
"The shops were created to provide a bit more funding. We're just trying now to get them back to profitable - they're breaking even," says Mrs Smith. "We're desperately in need of volunteers at all the shops and donations of goods are gratefully received."
Iosis chief executive Ruby Duncan says the Turnaround stores do more than financially support the work of the organisation.
"The stores are out in the community reminding people that we have to help one another and they are a place where people feel welcomed. We've pulled in the bins but we're finding that people are still supporting the work and dropping clothes off."
Meanwhile, another collection bin service will remain. Child Cancer Foundation communications manager Megan Horsburgh says clothing bins all around New Zealand have worked well for the foundation for more than 15 years and will stay. "The bins are managed and owned by Savemart stores who are a major funding partner and we receive $250,000 annually."
Family weigh 
Based in Manurewa, Iosis Family Solutions provides a range of social services, such as counselling, social workers and budgeting, and works with about 700 families every year.
Chief executive Ruby Duncan says Iosis recognises that many families need help with more than one area of their lives. "Times are really tough for families, the cost of living has gone up hugely and those who have lost jobs are no longer coping."
If you are interested in volunteering in a Turnaround store, call Christie on 269 0050,  extn 9118.