Hastings Oxfam charity shop set to re-open next week

It is part of a phased re-opening of shops across the country by the charity.

A spokesperson for Oxfam said: “We are delighted to begin reopening our high street shops in phases, with as many shops as possible open for business by the end of July.

“Shops will be accepting donations soon after they open but, as items will need to be stored for 72 hours before volunteers can process them, storage space may be limited so people are asked to call ahead to check the best time to donate to help their local team keep safe and make the most of their generous donations.

“There will be some changes to ensure a safe shopping environment. Social distancing, for staff, volunteers and shoppers, will be in place and we will be cleaning even more than usual.

“The Oxfam Online Shop is already back up-and-running. Oxfam’s donation banks remain closed and the charity is working on ways to reopen them as soon as possible.”

Shops will be accepting donations soon after they open but, as items will need to be stored for 72 hours before volunteers can process them, Oxfam have issued some tips to make donating easier.

1. Clean things. Wherever possible, put clothes and textiles through the washing machine and wipe down solid surfaces

2. Have a think about what items we can sell. Ask yourself, “Would someone I know buy this?” If the answer is “Yes”, we’d love to receive it.

3. Call ahead when you’re ready to donate, to check the best time for your local shop.

4. Stagger your donations, rather than bringing everything at once. We appreciate not everyone has lots of storage space and we’d be delighted to help clear your clutter from your home whenever the time is right and remember to bring your donations in bags or boxes which you don’t want back.

5. Remember to Gift Aid your donation, this scheme allows charities to claim 25% extra on the sale of your donations. With Oxfam’s Tag Your Bag scheme we will also let you know how much money your items have raised for our work which includes supporting people facing coronavirus around the world so don’t forget to Tag Your Bag.