Unseasonably wet weather in May has slowed donation visits to the Federal Way Goodwill Store, leading the agency’s CEO to cheer on spring cleaning and braving the weather to make gifts of gently used clothes and household items.

“Spring usually means an upswing in donations but the rain is having more of an impact than we hoped,” said Tacoma Goodwill CEO Terry A. Hayes, whose agency covers a 15-county service area, including South King Count. “We’re encouraging people to do their spring cleaning and make a donation, even if the weather isn’t all that great.”

According to Goodwill figures, donation visits at the Federal Way Goodwill Store dropped from about 5,400 in usual spring months to 3,155 in May. Donations of gently used clothes and household items support job training and placement services.

“Donations are very important and we’re very grateful for what we receive to support our mission,” Hayes said. She noted more than 9,000 people will come to Goodwill for services this year – far above the 6,200 people served last year.

To encourage donations, Goodwill is giving donors a coupon good for 30 percent off purchases at Goodwill stores across the Tacoma Goodwill service area, including Federal Way. The coupons are available June 10 and good through the end of July.

“We’re looking forward to a clear and sunny forecast, eventually,” said Hayes. “In the meantime, there’s probably no better time to donate and then take some time and shop for great values at our stores.”

Donations can be made at the Federal Way Goodwill Store, 32521 Pacific Highway S. The store is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Donations to Goodwill are tax-deductible. For more information on donating to Goodwill, go online to tacomagoodwill.org and click on “Donate.”