The Charity Retail Association is calling on the public to hold onto their donations until charity shops are able to reopen for businesses and to avoid leaving items outside of closed shops or already full donation banks.

This period of social distancing has allowed people time to reconsider the items in their homes – prompting a ‘spring clear out’, which for many, means filling bags and boxes for favourite charity shops. Charity shops will be reliant on these donations when they reopen.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association said: “Charity shops are so grateful that people are setting aside quality pre-loved items in this trying time, and they will benefit greatly once the time comes for them to reopen.

“Shops are currently closed and unable to take in donations, so please don’t leave donations on door steps to be ruined by weather, animals, or stolen. Please keep them to one side and take them to your local charity shop when they reopen.

“Leaving items on the street, or beside closed clothing banks is considered fly tipping, and poses a risk to public safety.

“The overall message from the charity retail sector is that shops are extremely grateful for donations, but would like people to hold on to them until they reopen or to make direct contact with the charity they wish to donate to.”

David Roman, Sustainability Manager for the British Heart Foundation added “Once it is safe for us to reopen and start our collection services again, we will be hugely grateful to receive any decluttered clothes, home wares, books or children’s toys and would encourage everyone to please hold onto any items you wish to donate until then.”