Donate your unwanted Christmas gifts to help Age UK make 2022 a little brighter for the elderly and vulnerable!
It’s the perfect time of year for a Christmas clearout and declutter! Age UK in Kings Heath are encouraging the local community to donate unwanted presents to help raise funds so that it can continue to support vital services and make the winter a little brighter for the elderly and vulnerable in the area.
The winter months are known to be some of the toughest and most challenging times of the year for older people. With many routine services scaled back over the holiday period, the colder weather making it harder to get out and about and with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic making it harder for people to reach those in need, Age UK’s support services are more vital than ever.
Kath Poole, assistant manager at the Age UK shop in Kings Heath said; “It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that will never be used, or that you don’t want. As a nation we are more environmentally aware than ever before, so instead of chucking or hiding them away, we are encouraging local residents to donate them to the Age UK shop in Kings Heath.
By donating unwanted gifts you will be helping Age UK raise funds as well as reducing waste and preventing these items from ending up in landfill sites. Findings from the Gift Card & Voucher Association revealed that each year 22.7 million unwanted gifts will end up in landfill!
Age UK Kings Heath are also encouraging people to make their donations worth an extra 25% by signing up to Gift Aid, which means that Age UK will receive an extra 25p from the Government for every £1 that is raised from donations. What’s more, it won’t cost you a penny!
Age UK’s Top Tips for donating items to its charity shops!
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Check before you donate!
Age UK shops sell a range of clothing and accessories, books, toys, household items and shoes. However, what each shop can accept may vary, so be sure to check with your local shop before donating.
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Wash and dry clothing before donating!
Sadly many charity shops find themselves dealing with damaged or soiled items, which is a waste of staff’s precious time and can also be quite unpleasant for staff and volunteers.
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Check the quality before donating!
Double-check that all the pieces are there and the item is still in full working order/good condition, otherwise, it’s unlikely that Age UK can sell these items.
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Donate directly to the charity shop!
Charity shops are often able to sell clothing to other markets.
Age UK are on a mission to collect more donation bags in 2022 than ever before. They will turn every bag into more support for the elderly and vulnerable in the local community and across the UK.