Goodwill employees and Chesapeake Mayor Dick Gilpin were wise to bring the issue of illegal dumping at the Chesapeake store to the attention of the public.

It seems a good many people were having a tough time deciding what was acceptable when it comes to donations for the store. Or they were simply ignoring the rules, and the law, and ridding themselves of unwanted items.

For example, some items were being dropped off that would not even be sold at the store, including mattresses, box springs and trash.

“There would be leftovers from rummage sales. Things people couldn’t sell,” Gilpin said. “It is costing (Goodwill) money to haul it away.”

It’s important for the public to understand Goodwill is not a dump site. Donors must deliver items to a specified area, ring a bell and receive assistance from an employee. Items cannot be left in the parking lot. Legitimate donations are needed, but those donating must recognize there is a protocol.

The good news is that illegal dumpers are being cracked down on. Surveillance cameras have been installed around the property and the dumping has been reduced.

It is a lesson for any group that is tired of being taken advantage of by those who are more interested in getting rid of undesirables than helping organizations. Anyone littering in such a fashion should be penalized as if they were littering anywhere else in Lawrence County.

The Chesapeake Goodwill and the village are setting a good example not only for local stores and other organizations, but for those in the region and around the country.

“We are going to enforce it 24 hours a day,” Gilpin said. “We don’t want to cut off Goodwill’s ability to get donations. They came to us. They are willing to prosecute. Not only will we, but Goodwill will prosecute.”