Q: What happens to the clothes that are crammed into donation boxes scattered around Brookhaven?

A: Several parking lots throughout Brookhaven have designated donation boxes that are decorated with American colors and say AMVETS on them. The items left in — and sometimes around — the boxes are specifically donated to help raise funds that eventually go to the American Veterans Organization.

James Smith, of Brookhaven, was concerned when he saw people taking items from the donation box.

“I have a lot of friends that are veterans. I saw a few people digging through the bags and putting things in their vehicle. I just want to make sure that the items donated help our veterans,” Smith said.

The boxes are operated through American Veterans and its pickup service gathers the items periodically and takes them to City Thrift in Jackson to be processed and sold. City Thrift weighs the items and pays AMVETS based on the weight. The thrift store then sells the items for their own profit.

AMVETS National Service Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans through service programs. Donations help veterans obtain compensation and government benefits. The profits from the sale of the donated items also helps supply scholarships to eligible veterans and their dependents.

For more information, visit amvetpickupservice.org.