Charity shops' new rules for donations as stores reopen

St Benedict’s Hospice shops are open again. There are six outlets across Sunderland, selling clothing, accessories, ornaments, furniture and other items to support the Ryhope hospice.

Customers are very welcome, as are quality donations. But the charity asks that anyone donating should call in advance, and leave goods at the back door. Newly-received goods must be quarantined for three days.

St Benedict’s head of retail, Tony Scott,said: “We are delighted to have opened our retail shops after being closed for three months, and can confirm they are fully equipped with the relevant PPE and newly fitted screens for the staff and customers’ safety.

“We are looking forward to receiving donations from customers with new trading hours of 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

“However due to Covid-19 regulations, we cannot accept donations at the front door, meaning that the donations we receive have to be taken to the rear of all premises and put into quarantine for 72 hours, as per the new guidelines.

“Due to shops having limited space, we recommend our customers ring the relevant shop first to confirm their donations can be accepted.”

Meanwhile, charity shops are experiencing a surge of donations.

Aside of coronavirus, the Charity Retail Association advises: “The key thing to consider is ‘would someone else want this?’ Broken items, or those missing vital pieces, like jigsaws, will not be sold.”

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