Helping Hearts Clothing Closet in Crossville

Maintain Shoe Quality: 

• Shoes must be clean and in great to like-new condition! 

Secure Pairing:

• Each pair needs to be pinned/zip-tied or buckled together, (no zip-lock bags please). 

Proper Tag Attachment:

• To attach the tag, use a safety pin or zip-tie and go around a strap, or through the shoe laces, or around the pin or tie that's holding the pair together.

Toy Hygiene Standards:

• All toys must be clean – even if they're outside toys! Most plush/fabric items, (stuffed animals, rag dolls, baby toys, Barbie clothes etc.) can be washed in the washing machine, gentle cycle, either in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag – or without. Check tags for manufacturers instructions. Battery operated plush items can be 'sponge bathed' using a damp rag. Depending on the item, you can attach the tag with safety pin, zip-tie, or tape.

Tag Attachment for Large Toys:

• For large toys please use a zip-tie or clear packaging tape to attach the tag, (NOT Scotch or masking tape)! If your large piece comes with additional pieces/accessories please try to place them in a clear bag, (like the larger size zip-locks or a comforter type of bag). We can help you securely attach the bag (or any other oddly shaped pieces) to the larger item at drop-off.

Securing Multi-Part Toys:

• For toys and assortments that are comprised of many, many parts (train sets, Legos etc.), please bag the entire item(s), place the tag inside the bag and then tape the daylights out of the bag opening so that no little hands get in!

Battery Check:

• Please check your batteries - all battery operated items must operate!

Clothing Presentation:

• All clothing must be clean and on hangers with hanger hook facing left, (when you look at the front of the garment, the hanger will look like a question mark), then safety pin the tag on the right upper area making sure the safety pin is horizontal, not vertical.
• Please close all zippers, buttons, and snaps, and tie the sashes on dresses so that your items look as nice as possible. No one loves to iron but sometimes a little touch-up here and there can go a long way. Just remember, the nicer they look, the faster they sell!

Two-Piece Outfit Display: 

• For two-piece outfits, put the top on the hanger and then safety pin the other piece behind the top going through the shoulder, (catching the hanger for support), and then through the waistband.
• Anytime you're hanging pants and two-piece outfits, wire hangers are the easiest to get the safety pins around. 

Tag Attachment for 

Special Occasion Clothing:

• If you have special occasion clothing or any garment that might be damaged by a safety pin (leather, suede, some raincoats, fragile and delicate fabrics etc.) then the tag needs to be attached differently. If it's outerwear, or if it has a zipper pull with a hole in the end, then you can pin the tag onto the zipper pull. If it has a label in the neck, you can pin the tag to that. For everything else, or if you're unsure, bring the item and tag with you to drop-off and we'll help you safely attach it.

Smoke-Free Requirement:

• If your items are coming from a home where someone smokes, everything MUST be freshly laundered immediately prior to drop-off.

Neat Packaging for Small Items:

• For small items and/or groups, sort them by size (toddler socks, etc.) and place neatly in zip-lock bags. Place the tag inside the bag and using clear packaging tape seal the bag closed.

Bottom Wear Attachment:

• For jeans, pants, (shorts, skirts etc.), simply lay the item on the hanger and run a safety pin through the waist and around the shoulder rungs of the hanger. If junior or adult size please do this with duct tape attached to the hanger.
• See picture above for Juniors and adult jeans.

Safe Packaging for Boxed Items:

• For boxed games, books, puzzles, and DVD's we recommend painters tape (not masking tape). It stays on securely, but won't damage the surface upon removal. For board games, bag any loose pieces, put the bag in the box and then tape the box closed in four places. 

Options for Books:

• Books can be bagged in groups (with the tag inside and the bag taped closed), or tagged individually using paint tape to attach tag to the front or back cover.

Verification of 

Game and Media Contents:

• Please double check the contents of board games and video and DVD cases!

Quality Assurance for 

Furniture and Equipment:

• Please make sure all furniture and equipment is clean and in good working order with no missing parts.

Cleaning Removable Covers:

• For high-chairs, car seats, strollers etc. that have removable covers, please make sure these are washed and returned to the item before drop-off.

Car Seat Safety Check:

• We accept car seats that have never been in an accident, and were manufactured within the last 5 years. However we do ask that before drop-off you double check that it has not been recalled by visiting www.cpsc.gov , or calling 1 (800) 638-2772.

Preparation for Quick Sales:

• Furniture and equipment that is assembled or set-up tends to sell more quickly, so please bring all necessary pieces, parts and tools to drop-off so that you can assemble your item(s). If you still have the instructions, or any other paperwork that came with the item, please include that as well. Only cribs manufactured after June 2011 will be accepted. 

Assistance with Furniture Tags:

• For furniture, If you are unsure where to place the tag, please bring the tag with you to drop-off and we will help you attach it.

• For any items you're not sure how to tag, please bring the items and tags to drop-off and we'll help you make sure everything is securely attached!