North Richland Hills says it has removed this clothing donation bins like this one because they do not have a charity name or contact information listed on the structures.
North Richland Hills
During the past several months, North Richland Hills officials noticed an uptick in fake donation clothing boxes cropping up in busy shopping areas.
The bins are placed in high-traffic commercial parking lots. Residents assume the boxes are there for a good cause, said Mary Peters, a city spokesperson.
“Really, we don’t know where they came from, who put them there, or what happens to items that are donated,” she said.
Peters said that right now, there aren’t any fake donation bins, but one was removed from a parking lot on Tuesday.
Most of the bins are made from painted plywood, and they are placed on businesses property without permission.
“The business owners don’t want the bins there because they can lead to trash and other dumping on their property,” Peters said.
Peters said people are encouraged to take donations to charities, rather than a “random box” on the corner.
Several nonprofit organizations in North Richland Hills have stores where residents can donate.
People can also contact charities and ask about their dropoff sites.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
With my guide dog Freddie, I keep tabs on growth, economic development and other issues in Northeast Tarrant cities and other communities near Fort Worth. I’ve been a reporter at the Star-Telegram for 34 years.