Boxes to collect clothing that appeared recently in the parking lots of Bi-Lo and Food Lion in Columbus could be leaving this week.
Columbus Town Council met Thursday, Jan. 19 and heard from town manager Jonathan Kanipe who said the town has contacted the business owners and told them they do not have the proper town permits, such as a business license or permission from the landowner. The town has asked that the boxes be removed by this week.

Steps To HOPE, a Columbus nonprofit organization that resells clothing in its thrift store to help victims of domestic violence, placed an advertisement in today’s Bulletin, warning the public not to be fooled by the drop boxes.
Steps To HOPE Executive Director Rachel Ramsey said the boxes are hurting all the area thrift stores.
“We don’t have the advantage of being in a large city, we don’t have the advantage of being associated with a national logo,” Ramsey said. “When people who have no connection with the area bring in this type of for-profit business, they are taking things that rightfully belong to the thrift stores here.”
The owner of the boxes is Carolina Clothing Recycling, which is identified on the containers as a for-profit company.
“The owner receives all proceeds,” states the sign on the containers. “The owner makes a fixed annual payment to Hope House, a nonprofit organization.”
The containers also say, “This is not represented as a charitable solicitation. No representation is made that your contribution is tax deductible. This container has authority to be here. All other containers will be removed at owner’s expense. Violators tampering with this container will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The containers are posted with a Hope House logo. The website for more information is also posted as www.dominionfamilyservices.com.
The same company has also placed containers in the Spartanburg, S.C. area.
Jason Hutcherson of Carolina Clothing Recycling recently told WSPA he posted signs that tell clients the owner receives all proceeds and makes a fixed donation to the shelter for teenage girls. Hutcherson also said the donations are about 10 percent of revenues.
The website lists links for “Hope House,” “Kenyan Orphanage,” “Dominion Villas,” “About Us,” “Contact,” “Online Grieving” and “Links,” but all of the links led to a message saying, “This page is under construction.”