Donations to Age UK shops in East Yorkshire will help keep the festive spirit going
Christmas may be over but it does not mean the goodwill of the season has to cease. Age UK is calling on people to help keep the festive spirit going by joining in The Great Winter Bag Drop.
Unwanted Christmas presents are key to helping raise funds to support lonely older people this winter. You can do a bag drop of at any of the charity’s shops, including branches in Newland Avenue, Hull and The Orchard Centre, Hessle.
Lisa, manager at the Age UK shop in Newland Avenue, said: “It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that will never be used, or that you don’t want. However, loneliness and social isolation are year-round problems for older people, and winter can be particularly tough.
“That’s why we’re asking local residents to donate them to the Age UK shop in Newland Avenue.” Debbie, manager at the Age UK shop in Hessle, said: “Whether it’s a board game you already have, or a jumper that isn’t your style, every unwanted gift donated will make a difference to the lives of older people.”
Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and the Christmas season especially, can be particularly tough. With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, it becomes harder for many to sustain social connections.
READ MORE: Charity urges Hull and East Riding community to donate unwanted Christmas presents
Age UK shops are reliant on generous donations of goods from the public, which are sold on to be loved again, raising funds for the charity’s work. That is why Age UK has launched an urgent stock appeal, The Great Winter Bag Drop, so that the charity’s shops can continue to raise much-needed funds.
Donating any unwanted gifts can help Age UK to continue to run its much-needed services for those who have no one else to turn to, such as its Telephone Friendship Service; The Silver Line Helpline and Advice Line. These services can be a lifeline to older people by providing friendship, support and advice to those who are vulnerable and struggling this winter.
Simply donate any unwanted presents, including clothing, toys, books, games and household items to your local Age UK shop. Each bag of donations typically raises around £15 – enough to fund a weekly telephone friendship call for a lonely older person.
People can also support Age UK by signing up as volunteers in its charity shops. Just a few hours a week can help make a difference.
- To find your nearest Age UK shop, visit ageuk.org.uk/shops
- To find out more about volunteering at an Age UK shop, visit Charity Shop Volunteering | Age UK
- To find out more about Age UK’s winter appeal, A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight, visit ageuk.org.uk/appeal
- Anyone who needs support, who is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age UK’s friendship services, can get in touch by calling Age UK Advice free of charge, on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm), or visit ageuk.org.uk Any older person looking for a cheerful chat day or night can call Age UK’s Silver Line Helpline, on 0800 4 70 80 90.