Charity shop in plea for more donations as recession bites
A CHARITY shop is appealing for donations after the expected post-Christmas rush failed to happen.
The Cancer Research shop in Albert Street, Derby, normally sees donations increase in the new year but they are down by about half compared with this time last year.
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Heather Price, manager of the Cancer Research charity shop in Albert Street, Derby, is appealing for donations after seeing a 50% fall in the number of items donated since the start of the new year.
The shop is desperate for a variety of donations. Menswear is top of the list, followed by ladies' coats and home ware.
Store manager Heather Price said:
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"There is absolutely nothing we won't take. Even items that we wouldn't put up for sale. We will either recycle or get them sent to help others in Third World countries."
The charity has three other shops in Derby – in Babington Lane, at Alvaston and in Allenton.
Heather said: "I'm not sure why donations have been so low but our Alvaston and Allenton stores both have free parking, so it may be easier for people to drop off bags and it saves them money to take them there."
The Albert Street store's experience has been echoed in other charity shops in the city.
Caren Jephson, manager of the Barnardo's shop in Babington Lane, said: "We are all desperate for donations. I think the recession is still affecting us all and people can't afford to donate. They're keeping hold of their clothes for longer.
"We've had a lot of unwanted Christmas presents, about four boxes full. We've not had as many quality items, though. I think people are using eBay more."
But other shops have seen donations increase.
Nadia Noschese, assistant manager at Age UK in Park Farm, Allestree, said "We've been absolutely mad with donations. We've been turning people away because we physically couldn't get any more bags in the shop.
"We've had a few unwanted Christmas presents, mostly gift sets. I think everybody is turning technical so we've had a lot of books, for example, as people are switching to Kindles."
And at the Oxfam shop in St Peter's Street, Derby, manager Jane Robbins said: "We're doing really well with lots of donations. I can tell it's more than last year because I can't get into my office."
The Oxfam shop makes house collection calls all over Derbyshire during the Christmas and new year period.
It also works with Marks and Spencer and offers a £5 voucher to anyone who donates any Marks and Spencer clothing.
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