BBBSO seeks new bin donation sites as Price Cutter makes change

A change by a Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks donor means the nonprofit must find replacement sites for donation bins that have historically gathered the majority of its collections.

BBBSO announced in a news release that it's seeking new sites for 19 donation bins that collect clothing and shoes through the nonprofit's Think Big Foundation. Officials said a corporate decision made outside of the organization would result in the removal of the donation bins by May 1.

BBBSO CEO Susan Mellentine said via email that the Price Cutter grocery chain owned by Rogersville-based Pyramid Foods is transitioning to bins owned by United Global Thread.

"We deeply value our longstanding relationship with Price Cutter/Pyramid Foods, and we are grateful that they are increasing their direct donation to BBBSO," Mellentine said. "However, the additional support will not fully offset the deficit we anticipate if we are unable to secure new bin locations."

A request for comment to Price Cutter officials went unanswered by deadline.

While BBBSO will have 26 bins remaining after the removal of the 19 from Price Cutter store locations, the impacted bins account for around 60% of total donations, Mellentine said.

Officials with BBBSO said in the release that businesses, churches and property owners can step in with new sites.