Get any unwanted Christmas presents? Hartlepool Age UK shop can find them a good home

A Hartlepool charity shop is encouraging people to keep the Christmas spirit alive by gifting it any unwanted presents.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Age UK shop on Tees Bay retail park says recycling gifts will help ensure it can continue to run its vital services and make this winter a little brighter for older people.

As well as raising money to continue its work, donating unwanted presents also helps to reduce landfill waste, added the charity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hartlepool shop manager Karen Bentley said: “It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that will never be used, or that you don’t want.

Age UK charity shop, Tees Bay Retail Park, Brenda Road, Hartlepool.Age UK charity shop, Tees Bay Retail Park, Brenda Road, Hartlepool.
Age UK charity shop, Tees Bay Retail Park, Brenda Road, Hartlepool.

"As a nation we are more environmentally aware than ever before, so instead of chucking or hiding them away, we are encouraging local residents to donate them to the Age UK shop in Hartlepool.”

People are advised to check with the shop before donating to make sure they can accept the gifts, and they ask that all clothing given is washed and dried first.

Research has revealed that each year we receive an average of two unwanted Christmas presents each, equating to more than 119.5 million gifts that miss the mark. Of these, an 22.7 million end up being sent to landfill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Age UK says its support services including its free and confidential Advice Line and Telephone Friendship services, are invaluable lifelines for the most vulnerable older people, particularly during the winter.

The Age UK Hartlepool shop is also encouraging people to make their donation worth an extra 25% by signing up to Gift Aid when giving.

It means the charity will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 raised from donations.

Read More
Hartlepool couple cook more than 20 free dinners for people who were alone on Ch...

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

The Hartlepool Mail has been in town since 1877, and your support means we can continue telling your stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe.