Community Services for the Blind 206-767-2177, 1-800-472-2244   206-767-2177 Or 1-800-472-2244 pickup@donatecsb.org
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We sell your donated items to local Value Village stores
Learn more about vision loss
Community services for the blind and partially sighted home page
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:  How Is the Money Used?

A:  Excess revenues, after all expenses are paid (staff salaries, rent, telephone charges, and truck expenses), become part of the CSBPS operating budget and fund a variety of programs and services for persons with impaired vision.

The Agency offers in-home services free of charge to anyone with severe vision impairment residing in King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties. Services we provide include but not limited too are: counseling to the client & family members; information referrals for any caller or visitor; rehabilitation services including orientation & mobility training; educational services to enhance understanding of vision impairment; and volunteer services where people from local communities volunteer their time to read, write bills or grocery shop for individuals with vision loss.

Revenue from the donation center provides a very important source of unrestricted funding for CSBPS programs, and supports the agency’s efforts to become more financially self-reliant. “Unrestricted funding” is money that can be used for agency programs and services wherever it is most needed.

In 2007, after expenses, UMSD provided more than $400,000 to fund agency programs and services.
Q:  How does the pickup service work?
A:  Community Services for the Blind, using its own employees, telephones residents in King and Snohomish Counties, and in Bellingham WA to solicit tax-deductible donations of unwanted but new or reusable clothing and household items. Residents simply place donations outside their homes for free pickup by CSB.
Q:  How the donations are processed.

A:  CSB trucks pick up donations from homes and drops off donations daily to Value Village stores throughout the Puget Sound area. Donations are sold in bulk to the stores, which are then resold to the public. Savers pays the agency based on the total volume it delivers to these stores.
Q:  Why don’t we give the items to people who are visually impaired?
A:  With more than 45 years’ experience, CSBPS knows that what our clients want most are the new skills and special products that enable them to maintain their independence and well-being despite vision loss. This service and funding strategy makes it possible for CSBPS to hire qualified vision rehabilitation professionals and develop practical programs that provide the training and tools people with impaired vision need to live with vision loss.
Q:  What other fundraising efforts does CSBPS do?
A:  CSBPS also values this funding strategy because it provides a service to the donors, supports recycling, and limits the time and money CSBPS would need to spend on other fundraising activities.
Q:  How can I arrange a pick-up?
A:  If you live in the Washington State counties of King or Snohomish or in the City of Bellingham, WA, just click on To Schedule a Pick-up, and register for secure, convenient on-line scheduling. You may also call (206) 767-2177 or (800) 472-2244 and speak to one of our many helpful customer service representatives.
Q:  How can I drop my name from your calling list?
A:  Just give us a call at (206) 767-2177 or (800) 472-2244 and ask any of our friendly representatives to place you on our "Do Not call" list, which is maintained in accordance with Washington State law
Q:  How can I get a receipt if your driver does not leave one?
A:  You may click on Donation History, enter your 10-digit phone number and password to view your donation record. You may print the screen for your tax records. The record reflected is over an 18-month time frame. If you feel the record does not accurately reflect your donations, please fee free to call us at 206-767-2177. You may also send us an email at Pickup@DonateCSB.org and request a receipt be mailed to you.
Q:  What does Community Services for the Blind do?
A:  Community Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted (CSBPS) is a 501-(c) 3 nonprofit United Way agency that offers a variety of programs and services to people with impaired vision in King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties.
Q:  What programs and services do you provide?
A:  We offer counseling and support groups, instruction in safe movement and travel, skills for independent living, low vision assessment and training, an adaptive aids and technology store, volunteer assistance, and educational services including a large-print low vision adaptive aids catalog. Most programs and services are offered without charge in homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. For more information about programs and services call (206) 525-5556 or (800) 458-4888.
Q:  How can I confirm the agency’s status?
A:  CSBPS is registered with the Secretary of State (800) 332-GIVE.


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