One morning, a dead dog was found at the footsteps of the City Welfare Mission. Although that was a donation the mission had never received before, a donation of garbage is all too familiar.

In order to continue to serve the Lawrence County community, the mission needs help from the citizens of Lawrence County.

“People drop off trash when no one is around,” The Rev. Jeff Cremeans said. “Items that are torn up. They drop off items in the rain, old mattresses, box springs couches, chairs, clothing. We can’t use any of it.”

Last year, the mission had to dispose of 73 couches, 18 love seats, 64 chairs, 35 box springs, 45 mattresses, nine televisions and 18 wooden items, all dropped off without the permission of the mission staff.

“People bring furniture after hours. It’s all torn up and we have to haul it to the dump,” Leon Dalton, board member, said.

The mission started renting a dumpster to dispose of the smaller, useless items. The dumpster cost $300 a month, money that is not in the mission’s limited budget, Cremeans said.

“We put up a metal sign a couple of years ago that said, ‘Do Not Drop Things at This Door,’” Cremeans said. “It was gone the next day and more trash was laying in the parking lot.”

Section 3734.03 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) calls the act open dumping. It is considered an unclassified felony, which is punishable by a fine of $10,000 to $25,000 and a jail sentence of two to four years.

According to the ORC, “No person shall recklessly dispose of solid waste, including scrap tires and/or infectious waste by open dumping.

The mission frequently cleans the driveway to keep the pile of trash to a minimum. On Monday mornings, after the staff has been gone all weekend, the piles are unbearable, Dalton said.

“People drop off anything, including tires, which we have no use for,” Cremeans said. “They think we are a dumping ground. Sometimes I think we are just more convenient for people.”

The mission staff is discussing the use of video cameras to catch potential violators and they are willing to prosecute, Cremeans said.

“We have a lot of people who donate good items but need to donate during office hours,” Cremeans said.

Twice a week, the mission picks up larger items at the request of donors, making it easier on the individuals.

Their mission statement is to “provide materials and spiritual assistance to those in need including, food, clothing, shelter, furniture and other assistance at no charge.”

“We take furniture, clothing, food and shelter individuals. We perform a daily lunch at 11 p.m.,” Cremeans said. “We are a Christian-based organization that is here to help others.”

Attendants are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact the mission at (740) 532-5041.