Willow Wood Hospice is encouraging local residents to start the new year by having a declutter and generously donating any items or gifts they no longer want, need or use.
Did you get more shirts than you’ll ever wear for Christmas, or perhaps a pair of jeans that isn’t your size or style?
Maybe you’ve got a book you’ve already read sitting on a shelf, or a board game you’ve already played gathering dust in a cupboard?
The Hospice is hoping that people will consider donating these new or used items to ensure they become the gift that keeps on giving.
You can feel a lot better knowing that having a clear-out can make the house feel calmer post-Christmas and the items you donate to Willow Wood’s charity shops will be re-sold to help raise vital funds to support the care of patients from the local community with life-limiting illnesses.
The Hospice has six charity shops across Tameside and Glossop, in addition to the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop in Stalybridge and Distribution Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Willow Wood needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating and, with only 20 per cent of that funding coming by way of central government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community it serves.
Supporting Willow Wood’s shops is one way you can help and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will gratefully receive any donations of items during opening hours to keep the shelves stocked – with the exception of duvets, car seats and crash helmets.
Furniture will also be accepted at the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop on Shepley Street in Stalybridge.
See where your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop is and check the opening hours at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations
People can make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent for the Hospice by signing up to Gift Aid. By filling out a simple form when dropping off your donations, Willow Wood will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 raised from donated goods and it won’t cost you a penny.
Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “There’s no better time than the new year to clear space in your wardrobe or from your shelves and cupboards. We would be incredibly grateful if you could donate any belongings you don’t want or need any more to our Willow Wood charity shops and we will find a loving new home for them. You will be helping us to be there for our patients and their families when they need us most.
“By extending the season of goodwill and donating your unwanted items to Willow Wood Hospice, you will also be helping to reduce waste.
“Whilst dropping off your donations, you might even spot something you like and bag yourself a bargain.”