Originally published April 19, 2014
Updated April 25, 11:42 p.m. —
You’ve probably seen them near the corner of Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road – big green and black signs with huge white letters advertising a donation drop-off center.
The “ReUseIt” donation center in Citrus Heights was the first location the company opened back in 2012, according to Stuart Bassett, who’s worked at the Auburn Boulevard location since its grand opening.
A big emphasis for the company is its support of local charities, as indicated by its mission statement and the hard-to-miss “LOCAL” written in capital letters on almost all of the company’s marketing material.
“You know where your money’s going,” said Bassett, seeking to distinguish his company from the competition by highlighting the local support.
Although it turns out “local” includes the greater-Sacramento area, ReUseIt has hosted donation drives for Pet Owners Of Citrus Heights and Holy Family Catholic School, and welcomes other local nonprofits to explore partnership opportunities in organizing a donation drive.
On a typical weekday, Bassett says he’ll see about 10 cars roll in to drop off donations, with about 30 on weekends. Accepting standard items like usable clothing, shoes, toys, books, and small appliances, he said donors should just be sure not to drop off cans or bottles, as well as large furniture and mattresses – all of which are items they’ve chosen not to accept, or that state law restricts them from handling.
As with all business, ReUseIt faces a competitive market with various organizations trying to attract customers who will donate their unused items.
Goodwill Industries is one such competing organization, with several locations in Citrus Heights. Registered as a nonprofit with the Internal Revenue Service, Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada, Inc. appears to be doing well — reporting total revenue of $47 million in 2012, according to public tax documents filed with the IRS. The local Goodwill also reported paying six of its executives over $100,000 to oversee its 26 regional stores in 2012, with its CEO reporting total compensation over $480,000.
As a for-profit business, ReUseIt is not required to file similar public tax documents — but according to the company’s website, a minimum of 50 percent of all net profit is donated to local charities.
In May, the company has organized several drives with parent organizations at Citrus Heights schools, according to ReUseIt.org.
