A BARNARD Castle charity shop is appealing to anyone having a spring clean to send pre-loved items its way.
Stocks are getting low at Oxfam, in Market Place, particularly ladies’ clothing so staff have launched a donation drive.
Shop manager Naila Laundy said: “With the cost-of-living crisis at the moment it is difficult for everyone. We are only asking if people are having a clear out and have something that they haven’t used for a while to keep us in mind.”
Women’s clothes, homewares and fiction books would be welcome.
“We don’t call things second-hand, we call them ‘pre-loved’ and do our best to find new homes for everything.
“What we can’t accept is electrical items because we haven’t got anyone to do the PAT testing, but we do have good relationships with other shops and work with them.”
The shop, which has been a staple on Barney high street for the last four decades, is also looking for new volunteers.
Mrs Laundy said: “Our shop has been here so long because of the volunteers who work here. We have a wealth of talented people who help keep the shop open.”
People looking for work would be able to gain valuable experience in customer service or helping with the online sales side of the charity.
“We’re hoping to put together a volunteer taster day so people can come along and experience what’s involved before committing,” she added.
“Our volunteers are from all walks of life with different interests and some are in their nineties. They say volunteering doesn’t just give something back, it keeps them going.”
