Community Aid Community Rip-Off Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
This is about a local "charity organization" known as "Community Aid". Lately,I've noticed a distinct lack of knick-knacks which many people like and collect (i.e., "Made in Japan" items, old glass (not antique, just old), attractive pictures, old furniture (again, not antique), etc. Well, I recently found out from another customer they apparently take these items and sell them online at higher prices. My beef is that ALL these items are donated by community members with the idea that these items will be sold to other members of the community at reasonable prices. Unfortunately for him, the owner has quite an unsavory reputation within the community and apparently with his minimum wage employees. This organization purports to be a non-profit entity. There are several disturbing rumors I've heard from various people regarding fraudulent charges stemming from the owners' previous employment at a local car dealership which apparently fired him. Further, I've heard this guy takes multiple frequent vacations - hmm, these cost quite a bit of $$, especially since this guy was fired from his last job. That's quite a feat and a very quick financial recovery, especially in this economic climate. This organization states it makes donations to several worthy local charities, religious organizations, food pantries, and others in the community that are in need of assistance. I feel this is commendable and feel comfortable donating items on a frequent basis - just about every month, many of which are fairly new and all are clean and saleable. Of course, I also shop there, further supporting the store and the community. This is a small town where many residents have resided all their lives and everybody seems to know everybody, including this store owner, so I kind of feel where there's smoke there's quite often the proverbial fire. I have no dog in this race but I certainly am resentful that these on-line auctions take place instead of giving back these items to other members of the community. I can't quite believe nothing shady is taking place. There's getting to be quite a lot of talk in this area and many are noticing this shift in the store.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Truth
Harrisburg,Pennsylvania,
How does community aid help the poor in our area?
#4UPDATE Employee
Mon, January 06, 2014
When I began to work at community aid, I was excited because I thought it was a way to make a difference. They told me that the items are donated locally and sold locally for a small price so local poor can get clothing. Then the profits are supposed to also go to the poor. I was like "That is awesome!". I was excited.
It didn't take me long to realize through hearing employees discussing things and talking to customers to realize that it's not as nice as it seems. First of all, the employees are paid very little and given few hours. Hardly anyone gets full-time, and if they do, they are still poor. So I was trying to help the poor by working at community aid, only to become poor myself? That doesn't make sense. Creating more part time, minimum wage jobs in our community only adds to dependence on state aid. I worked HARD at community aid. My reward is a low wage, no feedback, no appreciation, and being ignored. I called off only twice in the last 3 months. I was treated like I was a moron for wanting to stay home with my sick daughter.
Instead of donating a lot of money to local charitiees, start with your employees, GLENN CHANDLER. They work for you and help you with your so-called mission. Pay them fairly. Give them full-time hours. Give them benefits. Don't blame Obamacare for why you can't give more hours. Admit that you don't want to pay for benefits when it might cut into your tax write-offs. If you paid us more, we would stay. If we stayed, you wouldn't have to continually train new people. We could live comfortably like you do. I can't go on vacations. I can barely pay my bills with this job and another 30 hour a week job. You say you work 60 hours per week. What's the pay breakdown per hour?
GLENN CHANDLER how much do you pay yourself. You won't answer that.
Ex-employee
Camp Hill,Pennsylvania,
Rebuttal to Glenn Chandler report...
#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, January 06, 2014
Glenn, You say you are a Christian, however, you would rather give away millions to charity but pay your people that make it happen very little pay who make it happen.Cut peoples hours so you do not have to pay them benefits when you know that you can afford it. You invite those to met you but we are banned from the store. As an ex-employee, I see you go though trash and dunpsters to watch what is thrown out. You only care about making you look good and no one else. You need to look yourself in the mirror and see the true you.
Community Aid
Mechanicsburg,,Pennsylvania,
United States of America
COMMUNITY AID NOT a Rip-Off
#4REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, June 11, 2012
This report like most others on this site is a completely false report, yes full of ALL lies. Community Aid does NOT sell any items on the web; the only way to purchase donated items is at our stores! So Acquisition # 1 is a lie or a rumor, yes, a rumor that is a lie! As far as Acquisition # 2, that the owner is a former car salesman, this too is a lie. I have never been involved with any car dealership in my life. In fact, I was a Minister of the Gospel for the last 15 years with a large Christian denomination. Before, God called us to start Community Aid. You also stated that I take many vacations wow I wish, I work and serve many hours (50-70 hrs) each week to serve God and my community! Sorry if I sound mad, I am, I am hurt that somebody would post lies that now cannot be removed. Sorry that people dont look for the truth or ask first, but just believe gossip, rumors and lies. If you wrote this report, please stop in and speak with me and discover the truth. If you read this please remember, the word of God, shares that the truth will set us free, Community Aid and myself are free! Free to serve our community and now to move past this lie! In my opinion this site rip-off report.com is just what the title says. Community Aid is just what we say, Neighbors Helping Neighbors FYI: to say the above is true, WE are pround that WE HAVE SHARED OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS WITH OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY FROM SALES IN OUR STORES, PRAISE GOD!