The Skipton Scope charity shop appeals for your spring donations as research shows we’re still great donators, with the public choosing to donate to charity shops than sell online.
• Two in three (69 per cent) people in Yorkshire and Humberside prefer to donate to a charity shop compared to just one in four (25 per cent) who prefer to sell their items on resale apps.
• An overwhelming five in six (84 per cent) say donating to charity shops makes them feel good.
• Two in three (66 per cent) donate to charity shops because they love the space they get back.
New research by disability equality charity Scope finds the rise in popularity of resale apps like Vinted, Depop and eBay hasn’t stopped the majority of people in the UK donating their preloved goods to charity shops, after a clear out.
It appears that even in a cost of living crisis, the public’s support for charity shops is a strong as ever. The charity asked 2000 adults about donating to charity shops or selling online after a clear out.
• Four in five (81 per cent) of people agreed they believe their donation to a charity shop will fund something important and it’s as good as giving money to charity.
• One in four (24 per cent) agree they’ve been inspired to donate to charity shops by decluttering TV shows such as Stacy Soloman’s Sort Your Life Out - BBC or Tidying Up with Marie Kondo – Netflix.
• A further one in six (17 per cent) agree social media influencers inspire them to donate to charity shops.
The research comes as the Scope charity shops launch their Great Donate campaign, asking people to have a clear out and donate their pre-loved items to their local Scope charity shop, this spring.
Donations help raise vital funds for Scope to support disabled people and their families. The charity’s services have never been needed more than during the cost of living crisis. Life costs more for disabled people. There is no escape from high energy bills when you have medical equipment to power or you live with a condition affected by the cold. Last year, Scope supported over 42,000 customers with information and advice through our free Helpline and Disability Energy Support service.
Ruth Blazye, Executive Director of Retail and Communities at disability equality charity Scope, says: “We often get asked if resale apps have affected the quantity or quality of donations we’re receiving. Our answer has always been “no”, in fact, we’ve seen a rise in donations over the last few years. Now we know why, people really do feel good about donating to charity shops.
“Charity shops are a national institution, but I believe a little bit of healthy competition from resale apps is good. It means charity shops need to work harder to ensure they’re giving customers even more reasons to support them.”
Carol Brown, Shop Manager at Scope charity shop, Skipton, says: “I’ve been at Scope, in Skipton for 16 years and have got to know the community so well. I’ve watch young customers grow up and have children of their own who’ve also become our regular shoppers. With our fantastic volunteers it feels like we’re all part of a wonderful extended family.
(Jade Jarvis, Volunteer, Scope charity shop Skipton)
“Customers tell me they like donating to us not only because they know us so well but we all go the extra mile to give the best customer service we can. They know that we always have time for a chat with them, sometimes our team can be the only people they speak to that week. Some customers like to donate to us because they have a disabled family member and they know their donation will raise money so the charity can continue to support disabled people and their families. Others donate after the loss of a loved one, who supported our shop.
“They also like that we support the disabled community and collaborate with Avalon Charity giving vital work experience to their customers through volunteering, like Jade Jarvis, or simply giving a reason to get out of the house and have a great time with us. We also enjoy having the team at that charity as customers too.
“We also provide volunteer opportunities for students at the local schools and for those completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Their parents know their child is in a safe, welcoming and happy environment whilst they gain new skills.
“Our customers are so generous, we’ve had some real jaw dropping donations that have raised so much money for the charity. A Charlie Bear fetched £70 whilst an Elton John record sold for £150 and a Harry Potter book raised a further £200.
“I’ve notice since the cost of living crisis began, more people shopping with us out of necessity and also everyone loves that they are doing their part for the environment by donating and shopping with us/
“We always need donations to ensure customers keep coming back to find hidden gems and brilliant bargains. This spring, if anyone is thinking of having a clear out, we’d love you to donate the items you’ve fallen out of love with so we can give them a new home. Every donation helps us to raise vital funds for Scope to support disabled people and their families. The charity’s services have never been needed more than now.”
Scope is at 1a Keighley Rd, Skipton BD23 2LP
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