News & Events
In the News:
- The Seattle Sketcher Captures The Big Blue Truck
- Cheerleaders Collect Clothing for Northwest Center
- Donation station attendant finds contentment in loneliness
- KOMO-TV promotes clothing drives and donation barrels
- KIRO TV Report: Millions in Clothing Donations Diverted from Charity
Northwest Center Client Enjoys "Filling the Truck"
If you drive up to Northwest Center’s donation station in Mukilteo, the first face you see will likely be Walter’s. He greets donors at their cars with a big smile and a hello, and then asks how he can help them. That type of warm, personal service makes people feel appreciated, and it keeps them coming back—sometimes just to say hi!
Walter is a Northwest Center client, and he’s been at this job for almost two years. During his 20-hour work week, he accepts donations of clothing and household goods, gives customers tax receipts, separates the donations, boxes them up and puts them on our big blue trucks for delivery to Value Village. It’s a busy job, which is perfect for Walter’s energy level. “I don’t like to sit around, and this job gets me out of the house and gives me something to do,” he says. And when he does head home, Walter enjoys having some cash in his pocket—which he often uses to buy kites and bird feeders.
Northwest Center uses the revenue from clothing donations to fund its programs for people with disabilities, and it’s a win-win when we can employ our clients as well!