Thieving Recycling Men.

[Taltarzac725]

Last Thursday night we had a Salvation Army box all set for the Friday pick-up in Lynnhaven.

The Friday morning I put the clearly marked box in back of my car. It had a regular piece of paper 8 X 10 on it saying "Salvation Army" on it.

The recycling was on the other side of the drive-way.

Friday morning I went out to see if the Salvation Army had picked up the box yet and saw the recycling people-- two men-- rifling through the box for the Salvation Army. Looking through the CDs, a piggy bank with a broken lock, and various other stuff.

I walked back in the house and told my Dad and we both questioned these two men one who claimed that the Salvation Army box had no label and was with the recycling.

What a liar. He would not even look me in the eye while blatantly lying to my father about just taking the Salvation Army box.

The Salvation Army pick-up guy came about a hour after that knocking on the door. We had to tell him that the recycling people stole the box.

We did not make a complaint to the recycling company about these men as they could still just continue to lie.

Just wanted to get the word out about this incident. And for people to be careful when you put the stuff out for the Salvation Army.

I do worry about some dishonest person stealing the Salvation Army donation box but I never thought I would have to watch out for the recycling people as well for being thieves.

[LitespeedRider]

Why do you care? You put it on the curb - story over.

[gerryh1943]

Every time I call Salvation Army they tell me they will pick up on Friday, please leave it in front of your front door marked S.A.

[redwitch]

I learned to put charity items up by the garage door rather than at the curb. Haven't anyone take those bags since I started doing this. And, sorry, I totally disagree about calling the company. Whether they lie about it or not, at least the company has a record of those actions if the call is made.

[Carla B]

Why should he care? Because he made an appointment for the SA to pick up the donations. I think you should report it to the recycle company and even if the two men lie, if the company gets enough complaints they may do something about it.

[bagboy]

Seems like recycling people are being painted with the proverbial "broad brush"

[LitespeedRider]

And, sorry, I totally disagree about calling the company

I got to say - I dont get it.

So, this Villager with a kind heart donates her unused items to a charity (cough cough...as if the Salvation Army is not over head heavy). Then the said charity will SELL the items.

Being as they were "in a box", and I may err in assuming that the donor is retired (thus an itemized right off for tax purposes is not at play)...So, a pair of HARD WORKING men who are not doing anyone's "dream job" take a look...I would.

I dont "out" this very often. But - for about two years after my carer as an athlete I was homeless. I worked my way of of that position and I dont dwell on it. In that postion. I would take clothing from the "Lost and Found" at a community college. Steal food from the cafeterias, orchards and yes - dumpsters.

Trust me, if a homeless person is shoe-less walking into the SA, they will walk out shoe-less. Homeless Shelters on the other hand are doing gods work.

Fortunately for me, I was homeless due to situation as opposed to addiction. But, back to the recycling man...he very well may be a customer of the Salvation Army...he is earning an honest living cleaning OUR mess' and what better person to help out?


Could the OP not say to themselves - "I had no use for that, I hope SOMEONE can have a use for it" - and know they did a good thing for someone?

[Sandtrap328]

Yep, if something is left at the end of your driveway near the curb, it is fair game for anyone to pick up.

You do have to be careful. I remember reading on here a few years ago that a woman was going on a trip. She left her fully packed suitcase at the end of her driveway early in the morning and went back inside her house to wait for a taxi that was supposed to arrive within an hour. Guess what? Yes, "pickers" had taken the suitcase obviously thinking it was trash - since it also was trash day.

I have used the "end of the driveway" routine to dispose of an old ceiling fan and an old television. Works great!

[golfing eagles]

Why do you care? You put it on the curb - story over.

Seriously????

a) This box was meant for charity, not employed recycling collectors. The SA is in a better position to decide who is needy. Besides, most of the stuff is resold in their second hand stores and the money used to help needy people. The recyclers might be looking to sell it for cash that they would use for....well let's just say potential vices.

b) Whatever tax deduction the donor might get went bye-bye with the box.

c) It is still STEALING, no matter what excuse they make or lie they tell

d) I would definitely report them---they might be able to lie their way out of a single event, but if the same crew gets multiple complaints, their credibility will go out the window

e) The SA might also be aware of "disappearing donations", you might check with them

[Taltarzac725]

Seems like recycling people are being painted with the proverbial "broad brush"

I said two men did this. And my father kind of wanted to leave it alone.

There was a driver too that got out after my father and I questioned them. They just looked over the box and the CDs and stuff with the driver and the man who talked to us just shrugged. They had already crushed the stuff meant for the Salvation Army.

And I believe this is record enough. It should not be too hard to tell who was running the Lynnhaven run on Friday 11/04/2016.

I will put it at the door next time like Red suggests.

[John_W]

I've donated to Salvation Army about ten times in the last five years. We always put it on the porch by the front door and put a sign on the bag or box that reads 'SA'. It's usually picked up while were out for the day, and we always find a donation letter taped on the front door.

I've even heard stories of villagers putting their golf clubs at the curb while they wait for their ride, only to find the clubs missing five minutes later. On garbage days there are people riding around looking for items on the curbs. Just this week our neighbor put out a patio table and 6 chairs, within an hour they were gone way before the garbage trucks came by.

[Taltarzac725]

Seriously????

a) This box was meant for charity, not employed recycling collectors. The SA is in a better position to decide who is needy. Besides, most of the stuff is resold in their second hand stores and the money used to help needy people. The recyclers might be looking to sell it for cash that they would use for....well let's just say potential vices.

b) Whatever tax deduction the donor might get went bye-bye with the box.

c) It is still STEALING, no matter what excuse they make or lie they tell

d) I would definitely report them---they might be able to lie their way out of a single event, but if the same crew gets multiple complaints, their credibility will go out the window

e) The SA might also be aware of "disappearing donations", you might check with them

The Salvation Army man did offer us the slip for the donation anyway. And we did tell him that the recycling people picked up the box meant for them. He just said "That's not good!"

[LitespeedRider]

They had already crushed the stuff meant for the Salvation Army.




This was clearly the error on the part of who ever left it on the curb - period. The men were simply doing their job...

[golfing eagles]

Being as they were "in a box", and I may err in assuming that the donor is retired (thus an itemized right off for tax purposes is not at play?

What would make you say that????
I would guess at least half of retirees in TV itemize (just a guess based on median income)

[LitespeedRider]

within an hour they were gone way before the garbage trucks came by.


And I cant get rid of four used brake rotors from car....maybe Villagetinker needs to put his extra (old) fuel on the curb

[Blessed2BNTV]

Tal, thank you for your post. I know you were trying to do good and not be scolded by others on this site.

It's helpful when we all post ideas, incidents that help each other. I would have done the same thing that Tal did with a note for the Salvation Army.

BTW....Salvation Army is my charity of choice. I have gone to thier location in Leesburg and the folks there are so kind. Saw them helping other needy families.

[HimandMe]

We often put stuff out at the curb for free taking but, if I marked something for a particular person, I would be upset when someone stole it especially when the person expecting it arrives to pick it up and learn quickly to keep it near the door as suggested.

We all have lots of stuff we will never use again at our age. I like when someone else can make use of it. We need a yearly curb event where we put stuff out and everyone can take what they like. We would do this in our home town annually, no strings.

[Sandtrap328]

[QUOTE=Blessed2BNTV;1316505

BTW....Salvation Army is my charity of choice.
---------------

Yes, Salvation Army is one of the best charities. During my first few years in The Villages, my wife and I volunteered as Salvation Army Bell Ringers at Christmas time. It was a great way to see the generosity of most Villagers. We would still do it but December is almost all travel now.

Contact the Leesburg Salvation Army and get on their volunteer list for being a Bell Ringer. You will find it to be a rewarding experience.

[kstew43]

ever drop off at Goodwill.....

seems to me alot of the people who shop there don't do it out of necessity....they do it for the bargains....then resell on ebay

in my perfect world....only indigent folks would be allowed in.

[phairmason]

ever drop off at Goodwill.....

seems to me alot of the people who shop there don't do it out of necessity....they do it for the bargains....then resell on ebay

in my perfect world....only indigent folks would be allowed in.

Way too simplified. At Goodwill and other donation-driven 2nd hand shops, the donated items serve multiple purposes. Some items go directly to people in need; some items are sold and the money collected is used for purchasing, let's say, personal hygiene items and providing job training for people in need or to pay administrative costs (employee wages, volunteer training, even the electric bill for the brick and mortar store). Once donated, the donor has no say in how it's used.

I'm not a big 2nd-hand store shopper but have found some absolutely wonderful gently used items--I've never sold any of it on eBay. Now, my mother loves donation stores and most of her birthday and Christmas gifts to others are from such stores. Many of these are quickly re-donated. :-)

[photo1902]

Why do you care? You put it on the curb - story over.

:thumbup:

[LitespeedRider]

Way too simplified.


Exactly. Say a person who was "just scraping by" is able to sell things - legally, for a profit and help pay their bills. What a great system! Salvation Army (or what ever resale shop) makes out, their buyer makes out happily and they get a financial benefit. If someone does not like it - well, they can sell their own things and donate the money directly to charity - Win- Win - Win....For some reason I doubt there are many people at a resale shop who is reselling to pay off their Porsche (but if there is, more power to them!)

[graciegirl]

I said two men did this. And my father kind of wanted to leave it alone.

There was a driver too that got out after my father and I questioned them. They just looked over the box and the CDs and stiff with the driver and the man who talked to us just shrugged. They had already crushed the stuff meant for the Salvation Army.

And I believe this is record enough. It should not be too hard to tell who was running the Lynnhaven run on Friday 11/04/2016.

I will put it at the door next time like Red suggests.


If they crushed it in their big garbage truck, they didn't "steal" it. They thought it was to be disposed of. Recycled. Let it go, Tal. The rest of us will see that Salvation Army gets our stuff to make up for it. I don't think they meant to take something meant for charity. I truly don't.

Hugs for your kind intentions.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I could never donate to the Salvation Army because I fear they would use the proceeds to buy more of those damn bells.

[Taltarzac725]

If they crushed it in their big garbage truck, they didn't "steal" it. They thought it was to be disposed of. Recycled. Let it go, Tal. The rest of us will see that Salvation Army gets our stuff to make up for it. I don't think they meant to take something meant for charity. I truly don't.

Hugs for your kind intentions.

Actually, they looked through it before crushing it for quite some time. About three to five minutes and I believe that they took some of the stuff and put it in the front to take home. Probably the little bank which they will not be able to open without a code. My Dad thought that the Salvation Army could fix it. He did call them ahead of time and told them what was in the box.

This was stealing. They just did not find much they wanted to keep from the Salvation Army box.

[Sandtrap328]

I could never donate to the Salvation Army because I fear they would use the proceeds to buy more of those damn bells.

Why not volunteer as one of their Bell Ringers at Christmas time? You would get a very good feeling for those "damn bells" if you tried it.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Why not volunteer as one of their Bell Ringers at Christmas time? You would get a very good feeling for those "damn bells" if you tried it.

Bah! Humbug.

[Taltarzac725]

http://www.districtgov.org/community/sanitation.aspx

This was a CH2M HILL OMI truck.

[waltwl]

Oh I see it's ok to steal if you don't have anything.

[Taltarzac725]

Oh I see it's ok to steal if you don't have anything.

They looked like pretty well fed guys.

[Sandtrap328]

Unfortunately, Tal, you messed up. The instructions from Salvation Army were to put the donation box with the ID sign by your front door. The trash truck did their job. They got rid of trash at the end of your driveway.

You tried to do a good deed but it did not work out as you planned. You still got rid of your unwanted stuff.

You can still do a mitzvah and volunteer as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer in The Villages.

[LitespeedRider]

Oh I see it's ok to steal if you don't have anything.

If you dont have food...yes. IMO, yes. While these the idiot and the felon are busy spending hundreds of millions of $ on TV ad's....thousands are starving, homeless and not able to get warmth tonight....you tell me, where is the problem?

Plus, as we all know - taking something from the curb on garbage day is NOT stealing. Even more so if it is the GARBAGE MAN taking it....this aint Rocket Biology.

[Taltarzac725]

Unfortunately, Tal, you messed up. The instructions from Salvation Army were to put the donation box with the ID sign by your front door. The trash truck did their job. They got rid of trash at the end of your driveway.

You tried to do a good deed but it did not work out as you planned. You still got rid of your unwanted stuff.

You can still do a mitzvah and volunteer as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer in The Villages.

No. That is what the Salvation Army told my Dad to do. The thieving recycling people did not do their jobs as the recycling bags were on the other side of the driveway.

What is it with some of the people on here? You have to argue about everything.

[photo1902]

This gives a whole new meaning to "trash talk".

[graciegirl]

No. That is what the Salvation Army told my Dad to do. The thieving recycling people did not do their jobs as the recycling bags were on the other side of the driveway.

What is it with some of the people on here? You have to argue about everything.

I think that there is a lot of tension in this world. A lot of pent up anger. A LOT of disappointment over the election, no matter who you are voting for. I think we all have intensely held values and they differ. I know this, Taltarzac725. You are a good person and a fair person. This didn't work out the way you planned and you feel wronged. I am a mother, not YOUR mother, but I am telling you that there will be times like this again.

Try to put it behind you. Sometimes we cannot fix things. Sometimes terrible things happen that have nothing to do with our best intentions. Sometimes, way too often nowadays, unjust things go unpunished, and people minimize previously held rules of conduct that went unchallenged for decades.

Sometimes we can't fix things that cry to heaven for vengeance. We have to go on, and do the best we can.

[LitespeedRider]

Sometimes we can't fix things that cry to heaven for vengeance. We have to go on, and do the best we can.

You are spot on Gracie - seems some people get upset about losing something they were trying to get rid of to begin with.

[Taltarzac725]

You are spot on Gracie - seems some people get upset about losing something they were trying to get rid of to begin with.

That was the Salvation Army's box not the recycling people's option to open, destroy its contents, and rifle through. That is STEALING.

I am not looking for vengeance on these two men as Graciegirl puts forth BUT just making a record of this so that this does not happen again that the Salvation Army gets wronged-- they and they people they help are the victim here-- by greedy dishonest RECYCLING people.

The garbage people were gone. I waited until after they were gone as I know they do take anything that is not in a recycling bag. The box was clearly marked SALVATION ARMY and was behind my car on the opposite side of the driveway from the recycling.

I do hope that this company gets wind of this complaint I have made. Even louder now that the naysayers have come on here to bicker about everything when they were not even there.

[Villageswimmer]

That was the Salvation Army's box not the recycling people's option to open, destroy its contents, and rifle through. That is STEALING.

I am not looking for vengeance on these two men as Graciegirl puts forth BUT just making a record of this so that this does not happen again that the Salvation Army gets wronged-- they and they people they help are the victim here-- by greedy dishonest RECYCLING people.

The garbage people were gone. I waited until after they were gone as I know they do take anything that is not in a recycling bag. The box was clearly marked SALVATION ARMY and was behind my car on the opposite side of the driveway from the recycling.

I do hope that this company gets wind of this complaint I have made. Even louder now that the naysayers have come on here to bicker about everything when they were not even there.


Just a thought: is it possible that your "SA" marking might have somehow been obscured during the time from when you set it out until the recycling guys showed up? Could it have been an innocent mistake?

[ColdNoMore]

You are spot on Gracie - seems some people get upset about losing something they were trying to get rid of to begin with.

So if you gave $100 to a charity, but it ended up in the pocket of someone not associated with that charity you wouldn't have any problem with that...because you were "getting rid of it to begin with?" :ohdear:

I know I would have a problem with that.



To Tal - It's obvious to me that the recycling men realized at some point that the bag wasn't for them (even if it was an innocent mistake at first)...and they should have apologized.

That they didn't, is the reason you should at least report it to their supervisors.

Anyway, by sharing you have at least given warning to the rest of us that we need to ensure that our charity donations can't, in any way, be confused with the trash.

So thanks for that. :thumbup:

[Taltarzac725]

So if you gave $100 to a charity, but it ended up in the pocket of someone not associated with that charity you wouldn't have any problem with that...because you were "getting rid of it to begin with?" :ohdear:

I know I would have a problem with that.



To Tal - It's obvious to me that the recycling men realized at some point that the bag wasn't for them (even if it was an innocent mistake at first)...and they should have apologized.

That they didn't, is the reason you should at least report it to their supervisors.

Anyway, by sharing you have at least given warning to the rest of us that we need to ensure that our charity donations can't, in any way, be confused with the trash.

So thanks for that. :thumbup:

The Salvation Army box was marked clearly with a regular sized piece of paper that had SALVATION ARMY written in black felt pen in large block letters.

I could see it still on the box as the driver was questioning the two outside men who had been sorting through the box after opening it to see what was inside It was taped shut.

I just hope that the recycling people see this thread. Social media is often a better tool to change behavior than a phone call to the company. And you never know who is going to answer the phone. And there is no record of the phone call.

I do appreciate nice words from people. I am just trying to help out the next person this might happen to.

And there have been some funny stories on here. Probably not very funny when they happened to the people involved like with the suitcase that was picked up probably by the garbage men when the woman was waiting for her airport taxi. That would have been a honest mistake by the trash men as I have seen suitcases out as trash over the 11.5 years we have lived in the Villages.

[retiredguy123]

The Salvation Army man did offer us the slip for the donation anyway. And we did tell him that the recycling people picked up the box meant for them. He just said "That's not good!"
Sure, give them a phony receipt for something that wasn't donated to the charity so they can cheat on their taxes. It'd called tax fraud and the Salvation Army should lose their tax status for doing it. But, nothing will happen because the country is $20 trillion in debt and people think we will never lose the ability to borrow and spend other people's money.

[Taltarzac725]

Sure, give them a phony receipt for something that wasn't donated to the charity so they can cheat on their taxes. It'd called tax fraud and the Salvation Army should lose their tax status for doing it. But, nothing will happen because the country is $20 trillion in debt and people think we will never lose the ability to borrow and spend other people's money.

It was not a phony receipt. We did have the intent to give the Salvation Army these items. The box was out there. The recycling people stole it.

The receipt was not accepted though by my father. So there is nothing to complain about.

[Villageswimmer]

The Salvation Army box was marked clearly with a regular sized piece of paper that had SALVATION ARMY written in black felt pen in large block letters.

I could see it still on the box as the driver was questioning the two outside men who had been sorting through the box after opening it to see what was inside It was taped shut.

I just hope that the recycling people see this thread. Social media is often a better tool to change behavior than a phone call to the company. And you never know who is going to answer the phone. And there is no record of the phone call.

I do appreciate nice words from people. I am just trying to help out the next person this might happen to.

And there have been some funny stories on here. Probably not very funny when they happened to the people involved like with the suitcase that was picked up probably by the garbage men when the woman was waiting for her airport taxi. That would have been a honest mistake by the trash men as I have seen suitcases out as trash over the 11.5 years we have lived in the Villages.


If you are certain this was done with malicious intent, why are you hesitant to call the recycling company?

[retiredguy123]

It was no a phony receipt. We did have the intent to give the Salvation Army these items. The box was out there. The recycling people stole it.

The receipt was not accepted though by my father. So there is nothing to complain about.
It is a phony receipt. You cannot deduct something that you "intended" to give to a charity. I was commenting on the fraudulent activity of the Salvation Army, which is definitely illegal and an attempt to cheat the taxpayers.

[LitespeedRider]

It is a phony receipt. You cannot deduct something that you "intended" to give to a charity. I was commenting on the fraudulent activity of the Salvation Army, which is definitely illegal and an attempt to cheat the taxpayers.


What is deplorable - the number of people who give trash to the Salvation Army...as if they can fix it...for instance. A small safe that no one can get into...


Probably the little bank which they will not be able to open without a code. ** *** thought that the Salvation Army could fix it.

[Taltarzac725]

What is deplorable - the number of people who give trash to the Salvation Army...as if they can fix it...for instance. A small safe that no one can get into...

They said they could fix it when my father called.

It is amazing the hate on here directed at someone who was trying to help others by donating to the Salvation Army.

One thing. The more posts on here the more likely the company will hear about this thread.

[Taltarzac725]

It is a phony receipt. You cannot deduct something that you "intended" to give to a charity. I was commenting on the fraudulent activity of the Salvation Army, which is definitely illegal and an attempt to cheat the taxpayers.

There was no deduction. You sound like a true law-and-order person. Your kind of law-and-order and not just a Salvation Army person trying to make us feel a little better after the real culprits in this story STOLE the SALVATION ARMY's box.

[Taltarzac725]

If you are certain this was done with malicious intent, why are you hesitant to call the recycling company?

It is not my decision but that of my parents.

"Malicious intent" does not fit here. The two recycling people wanted to steal whatever they liked from the SALVATION ARMY box. After they ripped it open and went through it for a few minutes. Stopped in the side of the street going through the CDs we donated to the SALVATION ARMY.

[photo1902]

It is not my decision but that of my parents.

"Malicious intent" does not fit here. The two recycling people wanted to steal whatever they liked from the SALVATION ARMY box. After they ripped it open and went through it for a few minutes. Stopped in the side of the street going through the CDs we donated to the SALVATION ARMY.

Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door!

[Taltarzac725]

Sanitation Information (http://www.districtgov.org/community/sanitation.aspx)

Here is the company. CH2M HILL OMI.

And I would not know whom to call about this???

[phairmason]

Let's chill. This is directed to no one in particular but to anyone who doesn't know it already: Don't put anything on the curb that isn't trash.

I'm a very new part-time villager. Last month a neighbor had their patio villa power washed. They moved their lanai furniture to grass between the picket fence and the curb (much closer to the fence than the curb). They left for a meeting. After the patio was washed and the truck left, the furniture was still there (late morning). They returned from their outing an hour later and their patio furniture was gone. The gentleman then posted a sign in his yard "Return my furniture" and all pieces were returned within 24 hours by at least two different people.

Anything visible from the street is, in reality, "free for the taking" even if marked otherwise.

[Taltarzac725]

Let's chill. This is directed to no one in particular but to anyone who doesn't know it already: Don't put anything on the curb that isn't trash.

I'm a very new part-time villager. Last month a neighbor had their patio villa power washed. They moved their lanai furniture to grass between the picket fence and the curb (much closer to the fence than the curb). They left for a meeting. After the patio was washed and the truck left, the furniture was still there (late morning). They returned from their outing an hour later and their patio furniture was gone. The gentleman then posted a sign in his yard "Return my furniture" and all pieces were returned within 24 hours by at least two different people.

Anything visible from the street is, in reality, "free for the taking" even if marked otherwise.

It should not be free for the taking. Neighbors do not steal other neighbors newpapers waiting on their drive-ways. At least, not most of the time.

The two recycling men knew what they did was wrong or they would not have lied about where I put the SALVATION ARMY box as well as they claimed there was no sign on it. I could see the sign on it when the driver got out to find out why they had stopped so long.

We have put out stuff for the Salvation Army at leas two or three times a year over the past 11.5 years and this is the first time someone stole the box as before this we always had a receipt waiting for us at the door or somewhere else.

[Villageswimmer]

It should not be free for the taking. Neighbors do not steal other neighbors newpapers waiting on their drive-ways. At least, not most of the time.

The two recycling men knew what they did was wrong or they would not have lied about where I put the SALVATION ARMY box as well as they claimed there was no sign on it. I could see the sign on it when the driver got out to find out why they had stopped so long.

We have put out stuff for the Salvation Army at leas two or three times a year over the past 11.5 years and this is the first time someone stole the box as before this we always had a receipt waiting for us at the door or somewhere else.


You are a kind and generous person. Sorry this happened to your family. Have a blessed day.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I witnessed the most petty of thefts yesterday at Springdale Postal Station. A civic organization has a can recycling center set up there, and an old dude went it and removed and kept the pull tabs from every can.

[photo1902]

Similar thing just happened to me. I set my trash bags out by the curb earlier this morning. Today is our trash day. I went for a walk, and when I returned, the trash bags are gone. Who should I call?

[KayakerNC]

similar thing just happened to me. I set my trash bags out by the curb earlier this morning. Today is our trash day. I went for a walk, and when i returned, the trash bags are gone. Who should i call?

63711

[Taltarzac725]

Similar thing just happened to me. I set my trash bags out by the curb earlier this morning. Today is our trash day. I went for a walk, and when I returned, the trash bags are gone. Who should I call?

Funny put did you have an oral contract with the Salvation Army to give them some valuable things in exchange for a tax write-off voucher?

And I doubt if anyone would want used paper plates, used paper towels, used kleenex, dog poop, cat box litter, fruit rinds, coffee grinds, and the myriad objects you would find in someone's trash.

[bagboy]

I witnessed the most petty of thefts yesterday at Springdale Postal Station. A civic organization has a can recycling center set up there, and an old dude went it and removed and kept the pull tabs from every can.

Could be he was collecting tabs for Ronald McDonald House or St. Judes Children's hospital, etc. If that's the case, he shouldn't mind it if you were to ask him next time you see him.

[graciegirl]

Sigh.

[Bogie Shooter]

Last Thursday night we had a Salvation Army box all set for the Friday pick-up in Lynnhaven.

The Friday morning I put the clearly marked box in back of my car. It had a regular piece of paper 8 X 10 on it saying "Salvation Army" on it.

The recycling was on the other side of the drive-way.

Friday morning I went out to see if the Salvation Army had picked up the box yet and saw the recycling people-- two men-- rifling through the box for the Salvation Army. Looking through the CDs, a piggy bank with a broken lock, and various other stuff.

I walked back in the house and told my Dad and we both questioned these two men one who claimed that the Salvation Army box had no label and was with the recycling.

What a liar. He would not even look me in the eye while blatantly lying to my father about just taking the Salvation Army box.

The Salvation Army pick-up guy came about a hour after that knocking on the door. We had to tell him that the recycling people stole the box.

We did not make a complaint to the recycling company about these men as they could still just continue to lie.

Just wanted to get the word out about this incident. And for people to be careful when you put the stuff out for the Salvation Army.

I do worry about some dishonest person stealing the Salvation Army donation box but I never thought I would have to watch out for the recycling people as well for being thieves.

I said two men did this. And my father kind of wanted to leave it alone.

There was a driver too that got out after my father and I questioned them. They just looked over the box and the CDs and stuff with the driver and the man who talked to us just shrugged. They had already crushed the stuff meant for the Salvation Army.

And I believe this is record enough. It should not be too hard to tell who was running the Lynnhaven run on Friday 11/04/2016.

I will put it at the door next time like Red suggests.

The Salvation Army man did offer us the slip for the donation anyway. And we did tell him that the recycling people picked up the box meant for them. He just said "That's not good!"

Actually, they looked through it before crushing it for quite some time. About three to five minutes and I believe that they took some of the stuff and put it in the front to take home. Probably the little bank which they will not be able to open without a code. My Dad thought that the Salvation Army could fix it. He did call them ahead of time and told them what was in the box.

This was stealing. They just did not find much they wanted to keep from the Salvation Army box.

http://www.districtgov.org/community/sanitation.aspx

This was a CH2M HILL OMI truck.

No. That is what the Salvation Army told my Dad to do. The thieving recycling people did not do their jobs as the recycling bags were on the other side of the driveway.

What is it with some of the people on here? You have to argue about everything.

That was the Salvation Army's box not the recycling people's option to open, destroy its contents, and rifle through. That is STEALING.

I am not looking for vengeance on these two men as Graciegirl puts forth BUT just making a record of this so that this does not happen again that the Salvation Army gets wronged-- they and they people they help are the victim here-- by greedy dishonest RECYCLING people.

The garbage people were gone. I waited until after they were gone as I know they do take anything that is not in a recycling bag. The box was clearly marked SALVATION ARMY and was behind my car on the opposite side of the driveway from the recycling.

I do hope that this company gets wind of this complaint I have made. Even louder now that the naysayers have come on here to bicker about everything when they were not even there.

The Salvation Army box was marked clearly with a regular sized piece of paper that had SALVATION ARMY written in black felt pen in large block letters.

I could see it still on the box as the driver was questioning the two outside men who had been sorting through the box after opening it to see what was inside It was taped shut.

I just hope that the recycling people see this thread. Social media is often a better tool to change behavior than a phone call to the company. And you never know who is going to answer the phone. And there is no record of the phone call.

I do appreciate nice words from people. I am just trying to help out the next person this might happen to.

And there have been some funny stories on here. Probably not very funny when they happened to the people involved like with the suitcase that was picked up probably by the garbage men when the woman was waiting for her airport taxi. That would have been a honest mistake by the trash men as I have seen suitcases out as trash over the 11.5 years we have lived in the Villages.

It was not a phony receipt. We did have the intent to give the Salvation Army these items. The box was out there. The recycling people stole it.

The receipt was not accepted though by my father. So there is nothing to complain about.

They said they could fix it when my father called.

It is amazing the hate on here directed at someone who was trying to help others by donating to the Salvation Army.

One thing. The more posts on here the more likely the company will hear about this thread.

There was no deduction. You sound like a true law-and-order person. Your kind of law-and-order and not just a Salvation Army person trying to make us feel a little better after the real culprits in this story STOLE the SALVATION ARMY's box.

It is not my decision but that of my parents.

"Malicious intent" does not fit here. The two recycling people wanted to steal whatever they liked from the SALVATION ARMY box. After they ripped it open and went through it for a few minutes. Stopped in the side of the street going through the CDs we donated to the SALVATION ARMY.

Sanitation Information (http://www.districtgov.org/community/sanitation.aspx)

Here is the company. CH2M HILL OMI.

And I would not know whom to call about this???

It should not be free for the taking. Neighbors do not steal other neighbors newpapers waiting on their drive-ways. At least, not most of the time.

The two recycling men knew what they did was wrong or they would not have lied about where I put the SALVATION ARMY box as well as they claimed there was no sign on it. I could see the sign on it when the driver got out to find out why they had stopped so long.

We have put out stuff for the Salvation Army at leas two or three times a year over the past 11.5 years and this is the first time someone stole the box as before this we always had a receipt waiting for us at the door or somewhere else.

Funny put did you have an oral contract with the Salvation Army to give them some valuable things in exchange for a tax write-off voucher?

And I doubt if anyone would want used paper plates, used paper towels, used kleenex, dog poop, cat box litter, fruit rinds, coffee grinds, and the myriad objects you would find in someone's trash.

I do think you have made your point........................

[Taltarzac725]

I do think you have made your point........................

Yes. And I still cannot find a phone number for this recycling company. CH2M HILL OMI. It kind of looks like a very large company with interests all over.

[Retiring]

Sigh.

Amen.