Charity shop customers are being urged to raid their cupboards, drawers and wardrobes and donate extra stock to a much-loved children’s hospice organisation.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has 48 stores across the region, including its busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
Money raised from its fast-growing retail operation is a key source of income and allows the charity to keep delivering its vital care and support.
EACH’s Preloved, Reloved campaign has therefore been launched to bolster awareness and encourage customers to donate more good-quality stock.
“We receive over 8,000 bags every week and they’re the lifeblood of our business,” said Director of Retail Ian Nicolson.
“That’s the minimum we need every single week to help achieve our yearly retail goal of raising £8.7 million.
“However, we’re always keen to receive more and need the continued support of our customers, especially with a growing number of people selling items on platforms like eBay and Vinted.
“It puts us under added pressure and means donations are vitally important.
“The main message of this campaign is that people’s preloved items can be loved once more and we need them to help us continue caring for children and supporting families right across East Anglia.”
As part of the campaign, shop windows are appealing for extra stock and there are flyers and posters on display inside.
Items of particular interest are clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, cosmetics (sealed and unused), books, bric-a-brac, toys, jigsaws, electrical items, furniture and sports equipment.
EACH can also collect furniture from certain parts of the region. Call 01223 800800, selecting option six to find out more.
EACH relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and, in addition to £8.7 million in retail income, it also needs to raise £7.5 million from donations and fundraising activities this year. The charity only receives 15% of its income from the government, county councils and the NHS.
