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By Lisa Tindell

With non-essential workers spending more time at home, the chance to catch up on house cleaning has been on the up-tick.

Donations are still being taken at area thrift and resell stores and will be an increase in stock when stores are open fully to the public in the future.

“With all that we’ve taken in over the past few weeks, we will be looking at something like a brand new grand opening when we open back up,” Brittany Kilgore, manager of Outreach Thrift Store said. “We have been blessed with the donations we’ve received and it’s been great.”

Kilgore said that she believes the increase in donations is directly related to the “stay home” order issued for the state.

“People have a lot more idle time to do some cleaning,” Kilgore said. “It’s a blessing that we’re still able to take those donations to give people a place to get rid of their unwanted items. If we weren’t here to take those donations, where would people in Brewton be able to take their stuff? We are grateful for the donations and we’re happy to be here to help people with their donated items.”

The store, which is located on Douglas Avenue, is currently closed to the public, but Kilgore said donation opportunities are plentiful for the store.

“We still have our boxes set up for donations,” Kilgore said. “We are also still offering pickup of items. We have changed the way we do pickups a little. All of the donated items need to be outside of the home. We aren’t allowing our staff to enter homes to do pick ups but we are still working.”

Although some kinds of donations have seen an increase, other items may be a little slower in coming.

The Escambia County Habitat for Humanity Restore only accepts good used furniture and household items. The store does not take clothes, shoes or personal items, according to store manager Robyn Hydar.

“We have not had a huge increase in donations,” Hydar said. “I think maybe people aren’t sure we are open to take their donations. But, we are, on a limited schedule.”

The Restore sells used furniture as well as new furniture and other household and hardware goods. Donated items are resold to increase the income for projects of the local Habitat affiliate, Hydar said.

“We are happy to take donations of those items,” Hydar said. “We are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. We will accept donations during that time and will even help unload if needed.”

The Outreach Thrift Store donation boxes have been filled several times over the past weeks and continue to see an influx of donations almost daily.

To make a donation to the Habitat Restore, simply bring those items to the store at 1606 Douglas Avenue during new store hours. Donation pickup can also be scheduled by calling the store at 867-5659.

To make a donation to the Outreach Thrift Store, bring the items to the donation boxes located outside the store at 1025 Douglas Avenue. Donations of larger items can also be dropped off at the donation drop dock in the rear of the store. For pickup scheduling of donated items, call the store at 867-7411.