It's easy to simply take your unwanted clothes and items and put them into Self Storage. But perfectly good clothing and items could mean so much to so many. Without good storing practices, these clothes, if left unwashed could become mouldy and undonatable. Make a fresh start to yourself and others and donate to those in need.
What can I give to a Charity shop?
Most charity shops sell a variety of goods, including clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, books, crockery, jewellery, games, DVDs, CDs, ornaments, paintings, winter gear and toys. Items such as sports equipment, musical instruments and home furnishings, is also welcomed. You can generally donate items that you might think someone else might want.
Please do not donate things such as games with mising pieces or items that are broken. You can donate clothes that are clean but damaged for use as rags. Put all these in a seperate bag marked as 'rags' as most charity shops work alongside recycling companies and can still use them.
Useful tips for donating
Clothing of all types are appreciated, but please make sure they are clean and undamaged. It takes volunteers time to sort through your clothes and items, so help them by making sure they are applicable to donate.
Tips:
It is best to call the shop first and check before bringing in any large items such as furniture as not all Charity shops can accomodate them.
If there are no local charity shops that can accomodate them, try the Reuse Network as they might be able to help.
If you are a UK taxpayer, you may be asked if you want to Gift Aid your donation: this means that the charity can receive an extra 25p from the Government, for every £1 they raise from selling your goods.
Underwear and socks are always the most needed items. However, these items need to be new and unopened.
Also needed are winter coats, rain jackets, winter boots, children’s winter clothing, and thermals are needed for those in need for the winter seasons.
Donate clean blankets and sleeping bags for those living on the streets.
If you really are not sure whether your clothes can be re-sold, donate them anyway – whatever clothes a charity shop can’t sell they can send off for further re-use or recycling!
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross helps millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need if crisis strikes. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to. To find one near you visit: https://www.redcross.org.uk/shop/find-a-charity-shop
RSPCA
The RSPCA specialise in animal rescue & furthering the welfare cause for all animals. They were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and endeavour to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to. https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/branches
Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is a charity with many volunteers who help people communicate and experience the world. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.sense.org.uk/support-us/shop/donate-goods/
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity whose aim is to reduce the number of deaths from cancer. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/find-a-shop
Age UK
Age UK is dedicated to helping people feel great about getting older. Age Uk combines the operations of the previously separate charities Age Concern and Help the Aged to form the UK's largest charity for older people. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/
Oxfam
Oxfam is a globally renowned aid and development charity with 70 years of experience, working and campaigning with partners in over 90 countries worldwide. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/shop-finder?intcmp=header-nav4-shop-finder
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church and an international charitable organisation. The Salvation Army say they "exists to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity". They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page
Scope
Scope is a national disability charity that campaigns to challenge and change negative attitudes about disability and provides direct services. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.scope.org.uk/Get-Involved/charity-shops/Charity-shops-directory
Sue Ryder
Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that's a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.sueryder.org/support-us/shop-with-us/our-shops
The British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation is a charity that funds research to beat heartbreak from heart and circulatory diseases and their risk factors. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop
Barnardo's
Barnardo's are the largest children's charity and help transform the lives of the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/shop/shop-search.htm
Marie Curie
Marie Curie provide care and support for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. They have local charity shops around the UK that you can donate to.
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/local
Donating your unusual items
It is always a good idea to call ahead and check whether they can accept your goods.
Bicycles: Most Charity shops will recieve bikes, but check out Re-cycle (www.re-cycle.org) who send second-hand bikes to Africa. Computers: If your computer is still working but maybe you just bought a new one give your old pc to Computeraid International (www.computeraid.org), Donate a PC (www.donateapc.org.uk) or IT specialists in the Furniture Reuse Network (www.frn.org.uk). Food (non-perishable): There are food banks around now that are always appreciative of non-perishable food such as The Trussell Trust (www.trusselltrust.org). Alternatively give to Global Hand (www.globalhand.org), who can also take varieties of other items. Sewing machines: You can give your old sewing machines if they work to Tools for Self Reliance (www.tfsr.org). Tools: Any spare tools that are in good shape you can give to Tools for Self Reliance (www.tfsr.org).
Please also take some time to donate to these Local Peterborough & Lincolnshire Charities who really need support!
Lives First Responders
Lives is the Lincolnshire charity that supports 700+ highly trained and dedicated volunteers who deliver vital care in those first critical moments.
https://lives.org.uk/
Zach's Mission (Asthma UK)
Asthma UK supports asthma sufferers to reduce the risks of an attack. Ultimately, Asthma Uk works to stop asthma attacks and works to cure asthma by funding world leading research. Read all about Zach's mission in regards to Asthma UK below:
https://www.facebook.com/Zack-mission-855383894501377/
Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) Charities, funded purely by the generosity of people! They are not part of the NHS and not funded by the Government and rely on donations.
https://www.ambucopter.org.uk/
The Exotic Pet Refuge
The Exotic Pet Refuge is a small charity that provides a permanent home to a large variety of unwanted and neglected exotic animals from all kinds of backgrounds - private owners, RSPCA & zoos that closed down.
Facial Palsy UK
Facial Palsy UK is a charity aiming to support people affected by facial paralysis. There are over 100,000 people affected by Facial Palsy in the UK and it is the most common cause of facial paralysis.