Charity shop donations hit by recession

A SEATON charity has been hit by the recession with stocks drying up as Christmas approaches.

A SEATON charity has been hit by the recession with stocks drying up as Christmas approaches.

The British Red Cross store, in Fore Street, has received few donations this month and has also been hit by thefts.

Assistant manager at the shop Julie Nield has appealed for people to bring in unwanted goods - even if they are not in perfect condition.

She said: "I think it's to do with the credit crunch.

"I think people hold on to stuff longer as they're not in a position to replace them.

"There's been so much theft too and it's costing the emergency services an awful lot of money because without donations we can't function."

The Herald recently reported that charity Tenovus had around 60 donation bags stolen from Musbury.

Mrs Nield's husband, Pat, works as a collection driver and said from 750 donation bags left out, only 16 have been filled.

Mrs Nield said the British Red Cross, which helps people in crisis, raises much of its funds from retail shops, which are dependent on donations for stock.

She said: "Without stocks, we can't raise any funds - which are needed for emergencies, like the flooding at the moment.

"We provide necessary funds which enable ambulances to be built and people to be trained in First Aid."

She said clothing which is not in mint condition should still be donated for recycling.

She added that Mr Nield was available to collect donations.

For further information, visit the shop of call (01297) 21444.

Angela Drakes, shop supervisor at Brainwaves said her shop was not short of donations, but admitted they would struggle if they did not have a retail centre in Beaminster.

She added: "We rely totally on donated goods.

"But we always need more jewellery, shoes and general accessories.