From Opportunity House
As families prepare for back-to-school shopping, Opportunity House, together with the Wyomissing Public Library, is asking Berks County residents to clear out closets and donate gently used items that still have plenty of life left.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, Opportunity House will host a Fill the Truck donation drive outside the Wyomissing Public Library from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a truck at 9 Reading Blvd., Wyomissing, to collect those unused items ready to bring joy to a new owner.
“One of the greatest strengths of our community is the way organizations support one another. Hosting Fill the Truck at Wyomissing Public Library’s Summer Block Party allows us to help further Opportunity House’s vital mission while giving our patrons a meaningful way to give back. We are pleased to support Opportunity House’s work and the individuals and families they serve,” said Colleen Stamm, Library Director.
Anyone can donate regardless of where you live.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Wyomissing Public Library’s Summer Block Party so that sellers have an easy drop-off for any items not sold.
Learn more about the event on the Wyomissing Public Library’s website or Facebook page.
Opportunity House hosts Fill the Truck donation drives throughout the County to gather gently used clothing, shoes, books, household items. and more. Items are provided to individuals and families experiencing homelessness first. All remaining items are sold at the OppShop, 3054 5th St. Highway, Reading.
100% of profits keep operations going, which include:
- Two shelters in Berks and Montgomery counties
- Two Keystone 4 Star-ranked Early Learning Centers
- Two community food pantries
- Supportive Housing Programs: Permanent housing, rapid re-housing, transitional housing
- Aftercare case management for clients who have exited the shelter into independent housing
Behind every Opportunity House event are Martin, a dedicated truck driver and loader, along with his wife, Gloria, whose connection to the organization runs far deeper than his job. After Opportunity House helped his family through an unimaginable hardship, Martin and Gloria made it their mission to give back. Discover their remarkable story: From Hardship to Helping Others Martins Story.
How your donated items are repurposed
Upon their arrival at the shelter, clients have access to clothing and shoes, making them feel cared for.
As needed, clients are provided with a bus pass to get to the OppShop to select needed items at no cost.
Professional clothing is also provided, helping clients pursue and sustain employment with confidence.
After leaving the shelter, clients move into transitional or permanent housing, and your furniture and decorations make a house a home.
Remaining items are priced affordably at OppShop and Fill-a-Bag warehouse sales.
Unused items are recycled in bulk. All proceeds support Opportunity House programs.
In the past year, donations enabled Opportunity House to serve 646 clients residing in emergency shelter, clothe 885 clients living in shelter or permanent housing, and provide 20,860 shelter bed nights.
As stewards of the environment, these efforts have diverted close to two tons of items from landfills this year. It is typically one ton annually.
Together, we will help more neighbors take their next step toward a brighter future. Fill the Truck drives are being hosted throughout the county. If your business or organization is interested, contact cfortunato@opphouse.org.
Every shirt donated, every chair delivered, and every box of household goods becomes part of someone’s journey from homelessness to stability. Opportunity House invites the community to help fill the truck and fill lives with hope.
“Someone may see an old dresser or a bag of clothes. We see a young mother furnishing her next apartment, someone dressing for a job interview, or a person arriving at our shelter with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. Every donation helps someone begin again,” said Alyssa Bushkie, CEO, Opportunity House.
Additional upcoming Fill the Truck events
Aug. 22 (rain date Aug. 23), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Berks Fire Water Restorations Inc., 1145 Commons Blvd., Reading.
Aug. 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Clean out Your Closets for Back to School Movie Night with Muhlenberg Township, at Jim Dietrich Park, 4899 Stoudts Ferry Bridge Road, Reading.
Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Ontelaunee Grange, 1076 Grange Road, Leesport.
Sept. 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3670 Perkiomen Ave., Reading.
Sept. 17, Reading Roots Night Market featuring live music, at Goggleworks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading.
About Opportunity House
Opportunity House provides shelter, housing support, and essential services that help individuals and families move toward stability and independence. Its mission is to empower individuals to improve their lives.
