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Friday 13 July 2012

What not to donate to charity shops

In our current economic climate (wow, that didn't even sound like me) many more people are turning to charity shops as a cheap source of clothing, furniture and homeware. Plus fewer people are choosing, understandably I'd say, to try and sell what they previously would have donated. Charity shops are crying out for donations and many shops have sparse shelves.

Whilst donations of goods are great and very much appreciated, there are some things you really shouldn't donate to charity shops. Always remember charities have to spend a considerable amount (thousands of pounds per shop) every year disposing of unsuitable items, so think hard about what you're donating - they are not a dumping ground for your broken crap.

I've recently spoken to two charity shop volunteers who've told me of some of the hideous things people have donated to the shops they work in and it made my skin crawl.

 WHAT NOT TO DONATE TO CHARITY SHOPS


Soiled underwear
Really you'd think it would be common sense but apparently not a day goes by where people dealing with donations don't have to deal with crusted up knickers and flaky, tangled tights. Who does this? Who?

Broken toys
Sometimes it isn't obvious to someone who isn't familiar with a particular toy if parts are missing or broken. If a broken toy could in anyway endanger a child then it is safer not to donate.

Faulty electrical or battery operated goods
If they don't work for you how do you expect them to work with someone else? Most charity shops won't be able to sell them anyway. If you do think some clever soul could tinker with them maybe advertise them on eBay but label very clearly as strictly for parts.
EDIT- I have been informed that some charity shops will accept faulty electical goods because they have repair contracts. However please, please check if this is the case before donating because a great many don't and will have to incur charges to dispose of these items. 

Unwashed clothes
Please just whizz them around in the washing machine and dry the clothes before you donate them. Yes many charity shops are glad of them even if unwashed, ripped or in bad repair (many sell them onto fabric banks either way) however I'd be thoroughly ashamed to donate dirty clothes (or dirty anything.)

One of the girls I spoke to said her charity shop makes money from selling on fabric items which can't go on to the shop floor. A lot of their time is taken up sorting through these items so if you do intend to donate badly ripped, stained or holey textiles they'll be very grateful of them, but they'd love you even more if you put it in a separate bag and label it 'RAG MAN' - they'll know what to do with it. 

Sex Toys
No, just no. According to both the women I spoke to (who work in different charity shops) they have to deal with used 'goodies' at least once a week. What the actual frick? 

Car Seats
If a car seat (children/baby etc.) has been involved in an accident it should no longer be used as it is no longer safe. Who is to know if a second hand car seat has been involved in an accident or not?

P.S. What is the most bizarre item you've seen in a charity shop?

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