An urgent appeal for clothes and household items has been launched by RSPCA Isle of Wight, which is running low on stock at its charity shops in Newport, Ventnor, Sandown, and Cowes.
Income from the shops is essential for the animal charity, which along with donations, it relies on to care for animals large and small at its rescue centre near Godshill.
The charity is seeking clothing and footwear as well as bric-a-brac, books, games, and small electrical items. Donated items can be dropped off at any of its 4 charity shops, although if people have a large amount to donate it is advised to call in advance so the shop can make sure there is space to receive them.
The animal rescue charity has been beset with challenges over the last 18 months, with Covid continuing to disrupt shop activity and severe weather causing damage to the charity’s retail storage barn leading to some stock being lost to water damage.
A busy summer tourist season has helped with lots of customers visiting the shops, however sadly this wasn’t enough to make up for the 10 months of lost income due to the various lockdowns, and unfortunately the shops are now becoming depleted of stock.
Branch Manager, Suzanne Pugh, said:
“We were thrilled to see the shops so busy this summer with the return of visitors to the Island, but now we need the community’s help to restock our shops so that we can continue to raise funds to support animals in our care,” said branch manager Suzanne Pugh.
“There are lots of good reasons to donate items to our shops – it avoids goods going to landfill, it provides people with lower cost shopping options and any money raised from the sale of donations is put to very good use at our animal rescue centre.
Article continues below this advertisement “So, if you are having a clear out this autumn, please consider donating items to our charity shops, we would be very grateful for your support.”
The charity also welcomes blankets and towels for use at its animal shelter – but regrets that it cannot take duvets, pillows, or cushions, etc which cannot be easily laundered.
To find out more about RSPCA Isle of Wight – including volunteering opportunities and ways to donate to the charity – please visit www.rspca.org.uk/local/isle-of-wight-branch
