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13th August 2024

The importance of donating to St Helena charity shops

Make a difference with your unwanted items

In today's consumer-driven world, it's easy to accumulate more belongings than we need. Yet, while we might find ourselves with excess items, others in our community are in need. Donating your unwanted items to St Helena Charity Shops in Colchester and north east Essex can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Here’s why your contributions are essential and how you and your family can get involved, especially during the summer holidays.

The impact of your donations

Supporting Hospice Care

St Helena charity shops are vital in funding specialist palliative and end of life care for local people in north east Essex facing incurable illness and bereavement. When you donate items, they are sold to generate funds that enable us to continue providing compassionate, dignified care.

Emma shares her experience of when her mum was cared for at the hospice in 2016: 

“Everybody is different, and everybody needs different things, but the universal thing is that the hospice will help regardless of what you need. If you need emotional support, then they were great at that. If you need it to be a place of laughter and enjoyment with your loved one, then you can have that. That's what my mum needed but equally when it was coming to the end and we needed support and help and a shoulder to cry on, it was that as well.”

Customer donating items at a St Helena donation centre

Every quality donation, large or small, can make a big difference, giving more local people dignity and choice at the end of life. We truly rely on donations from our local community to help fund the specialist care we provide, through our sales in our 24 shops. 

Environmental benefits of donating your unwanted items to St Helena charity shops

Environmental benefits

By donating instead of discarding, you also help the environment. Reducing landfill waste and promoting the reuse of items conserves resources and reduces pollution. It’s a simple yet effective way to practice sustainability and contribute to a healthier planet. Can you go green and promote a sustainable way to live by donating a few items you no longer need? Buying pre-loved and giving clothes, furniture or even toys a new lease of life is the perfect way to help the environment - as well as picking up a bargain!

Community support

Donations to St Helena charity shops support the entire community. Affordable, quality items become available to those who might not have the means to purchase them new. This helps build a strong sense of community and ensures that essential goods are accessible to everyone.

Summer Clear Out: Get the Kids Involved!

Make it a family activity

Summer holidays are the perfect time for a clear out. With the kids at home, it’s an excellent opportunity to involve them in a meaningful activity. Encourage them to sort through their toys and games, selecting items they no longer play with. This not only helps in decluttering but also teaches valuable lessons about sharing and helping others. If you donate the items to our donation centres, you can even pop into our coffee shops nearby where you can have a well-deserved coffee and sweet treat, and your little one can enjoy browsing other new toys and books on offer. 

Room for new adventures

By clearing out old toys and games, you create space for new activities and adventures. Explain to your children that their old toys can bring joy to other kids. This can be a motivating factor and make the process more enjoyable.

Toys and games in St Helena charity shops

Steps for a successful clear out

  1. Set aside time: Dedicate a day for the entire family to participate.
  2. Sort and select: Go through items room by room, deciding what to keep, donate, and discard.
  3. Clean and prepare: Ensure all items are clean and in good condition before donating.
  4. Delivery: Take your donations to your nearest St Helena Charity Shop or Donation Centre.
Good quality donations in St Helena charity shop

Urgent appeal for good quality donations

St Helena charity shops are urgently seeking good quality donations. Your contributions make a significant difference and are greatly needed. Items such as clothing, toys, books, household goods, and furniture are always in demand, and we need your support now! By donating, you support vital hospice care services and help those in your community.

How to donate

  1. Visit your local shop. We have 24 St Helena shops dotted around Essex: Find the nearest St Helena Charity Shop and drop off your donations.
  2. Large quantities: Got more than 2 bags? Drop them off at one of our Donation Centres.
  3. Spread the word: Encourage friends and family to donate as well.

Please help us to help you and your community. Every donation counts, and together, we can make a substantial impact. Clear out your space, involve your children, and contribute to a worthy cause.

 

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