Local charity urges people to not leave items outside closed Southport charity shop

The Salvation Army urges people to keep hold of charity shop donations during coronavirus crisis.

A local church and charity is urging people to keep hold of vital donations during the coronavirus crisis instead of leaving them outside closed charity shops.

The Salvation Army Southport, located on Shakespeare Street, closed its charity shop in line with Government guidelines when lockdown measures commenced on Monday, March 23, which included its collection service, however the church officers are now worried that donations being left outside could result in vital supplies and funds being lost.

Captain Alison Hutchings, joint leader of The Salvation Army Southport said: “We know people mean well by wanting to still donate to our charity shop but because we are closed, donations are being left on the doorstep which is resulting in weather damage, amongst other things, and the items then not being useable or sellable.

“We are always so grateful for donations which raise vital funds to support our work in the local community so are asking people to please keep hold of unwanted items until restrictions have been lifted and we are able to open our shop again and collect donations safely.”

The closure of the Shakespeare Street-based charity shop has had a serious impact on the church and charity’s income however if you would like to provide a monetary donation to the work The Salvation Army is doing locally this can be done by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southport-salvation-army.

Fly-tipping outside closed charity shops and clothing banks is an issue that is causing big problems for the church and charity nationally too, costing thousands of pounds which would otherwise be spent on services for homeless and other vulnerable people within communities.