Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Earlier this week, news reports began circulating about the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which would require third-party testing on consumer goods (including apparel) used by children. The purpose of the act is to keep lead-filled products away from children. It is directed at lead-based paint and phthalates (chemicals used to keep plastics pliable) in products that children might chew, suck on, or otherwise ingest. Beginning February 10, 2009 (the date the law goes into effect) clothing retailers and thrift stores will be throwing out children's clothing because they do not meet new federal regulations.

This is the Consumer Product Safety Council web page that links to the actual legislation and their legal counsel's interpretation on how the law should be applied http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML

According to some reports, testing for lead and phthalates could cost as much as $30,000 per tested sample.

We contacted the office of more than one U.S. Representative and were told that the law has been enacted, but the regulations have not yet been released. There is a chance the law would apply only to producers and importers, not retailers (including thrift stores). The law could also affect initial retailers, but not resellers. These are some of the details that are yet to be determined.

Since we don't know exactly who will be affected by the new law, and to what extent the law will impact our ministries, here are some things that missions can do:
Contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission at 800-638-2772. This is the agency that is writing the regulations. Ask them for a clarification on what types of outlets will be impacted by the regulations. Voice your concern as to how this will impact services for people in need.

Call your member of Congress or Senator. Explain how their constituents might be impacted if the product testing is extended to thrift stores and free clothing distribution.
Low income families who currently receive free donated clothing, or purchase them at a thrift store, will be forced to pay retail in a tough economic market.
Social services to the poor will be reduced as income from clothing sales at the mission thrift store will decline, resulting in the inability to fund much needed assistance.
It will cost jobs. Thrift stores provide employment to individuals; lower revenue means cutbacks.
It will have a negative environmental impact as tons of serviceable clothing goes into landfills, rather than aiding needy families.
The legislation dramatically impacts helping agencies (rescue missions, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Volunteers of America, churches and other community organizations with clothes closets) during a slow economy, when their assistance is most needed by the community.
Ask your legislators for help in exempting missions and other non-profits that serve people in need.

Write letters to the editor; include the amount of free clothing given to the community and the numbers of families served. Ask for support in seeing that the regulations not impact the most vulnerable members of the community (you may use many of the points from item #2 above). Voice your concern about lead and phthalates, but ask that the new legislation not place additional hardships on the youngest and poorest citizens.

Remember that legislation can be changed and improved. Keep the lines of communication open with members of Congress and Senators for input into future laws of this sort.

Don't panic, let the legislative process run its course, then be ready to respond when the full details are known.

If you want more information regarding the act, these sites have a lot of good information.

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/new-product-safety-regulations-that-affect-all-manufacturers/

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/national-bankruptcy-day/

What Makes For A Worthy Charity?

Many of you support one or more charities throughout the course of year, but how do you personally decide who is most worthy to receive your dollars?

In an effort to learn from our donors what improvements we can possibly make in our own backyard at the Mission, please share with us what qualifications a charity needs to meet in order to receive your support.

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of the Year?

Is the familiar song of the season actually in the form of a question for you this year?

Tell us why you're a little less that inspired by the message of Christmas these days or better yet tell us what hope you're hanging on to in order to make it through another holiday season.

Thanksgiving Family Traditions...What Are Yours?

It's time to talk turkey. Tell us how you and your family celebrate the tradition of Thanksgiving Day.

How Will The Present Economic Crisis Affect The Homeless Population?

Without question the homeless population is probably the least considered sect of people anyone in Washington is thinking about right now, but the real question is what happens to those who will loose their jobs and homes in the next 12 to 18 months if the government can't find a way to jump start our economy?

We could be headed for the most challenging time for social services in US history since the Great Depression.

Are homeless shelters around the country ready for the task of housing and feeding three times the amount of people they presently serve?

What should the Open Door Mission do to prepare for the coming storm?

Share your ideas with us!

Economy In BIG Trouble. What Does That Mean For Homeless Shelters?

Open Door Mission could be facing one of the worst fundraising seasons in it's fifty 56 year history.

What suggestions do you have has a donor or volunteer as to ways we can combat the potential storm of higher demand on Mission services, but less to work with in resources?

Mission Helps Student Get A Fresh Start

About 6 months ago a young lady named Mara came to the Mission to volunteer in our community service program from her school as part of her graduation requirements. At that particular time she was homeless and in a very bad situation were she was being taken advantage of. The Mission helped her in contacting the Center for Youth where they were able to place her into the transitional housing program. She has since graduated from high school and now has a job at Nazareth College in the food service department.

When she recently stopped by the Mission to visit she was excited to give us the news about school and her job. She is looking for a new apartment now and doing very well. Nazareth is offering the opportunity to take classes as long as her job performance stays where it is.

She is also looking for a church to attend and is looking heavenward to improve her spritual life. Please keep Mara in prayer as she now starts a new life. She said she would keep the Mission updated as she progresses. She also said she missed volunteering at the Mission and the people here.