I have to admit, I'm a huge pack rat. Ticket stubs, trinkets, birthday cards, magazines, and anything else that might have a memory attached to it can be found stacked high in my mom's garage. I tried to thin the piles down before moving to New York, knowing I definitely wouldn't have space for them in the petite apartment options here, but it's just so difficult to let go!
Nelson Molina, a retired sanitation worker from East Harlem, totally knows what I'm talking about. Over his 30 years of collecting trash from the neighborhood, he's come across several items he felt were just too precious to be tossed. However, since it's against the rules for workers to bring any found items home with them, Molina has gathered the knickknacks in an unused warehouse.
What started as a small collection in the corner of the depot grew to overtake an entire hallway before eventually filling up the second-story area about 15 years ago. Thousands of old toys, statues, lamps, typewriters, and countless other unique objects crowd every inch of the tables and shelves. Molina also restored several of the finds himself and he keeps his space meticulously organized.
Unfortunately, the items are now in need of a new home as the owners of the warehouse, the Metropolitan Hospital, would like to have it back within the next 4 to 5 years. They hope to keep them in the neighborhood, but are also looking at a space downtown.
Take a look below to hear from Molina and be sure to SHARE his incredible story with your friends!
