Charity shops

Items you can donate

The items a charity shop accepts will vary from store to store, but usually include:

• books
• bric-a-brac
• CDs and DVDs
• clothes and accessories
• furniture
• homeware.

Lots of charity shops also welcome newspapers and bubble wrap, which they can use for wrapping items they sell.

Before you donate

1. Check your donations are both clean and functional. 
2. If donating large items or lots of items, it's best to speak with the charity shop first to check they have space; some charity shops also offer collections for large items.
3. If donating electrical appliances, check with the shop that they have a qualified technician to test the goods (not all charity shops can accept/sell electrical items). 

Important

• Do not leave your donations outside a charity shop, unless there is a dedicated collection bank. Items left outside may become soiled from weather or animals, making them unusable, but most importantly. this is regarded as fly-tipping and anyone caught doing so could incur a fine.
• If a shop ia closed, take your items to another charity shop that is open and accepting donations, to a clothes bank or home (and donate another day/time).

Find your local charity shops

Gift aid

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.