U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Field Operations at the Area Port of Savannah donated unclaimed merchandise, valued at $175,000, to United Way of the Coastal Empire to help local families in need.  United Way will collaborate with its funded agencies, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia and the Salvation Army, to distribute the merchandise, including leather jackets, coats, and dress shirts, to disadvantage families and individuals.

When imported goods are abandon or unclaimed, CBP will send the goods to a General Order Warehouse where they are stored for six months.  After that time frame, if the goods are not claimed by the rightful owner, the merchandise is sold at public.  In some instances the goods can be donated to charitable organizations.

“United Way and its funded agencies are grateful for this donation.  It’s always nice when all parties get together for the common good and find ways to get items into the hands of the people that will get the most use from them,” said Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire.