Don't dump it - Donate it!
This idea is taken from the recent BBC 2 programme 'Mary Queen of Charity Shops'. Hosting a collection drive is an inexpensive way for any business to give to charity, help the environment, and to further their corporate social responsibility. With good quality stock becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, the collection drive provides charities with new opportunities to fill their shops.
What is the idea behind Don’t dump it – Donate it?
A company’s employees donate two good quality items each on a specific day. This could be a piece of clothing, a book, or a record, depending on what the employee has to give. There are several advantages to this way of working:
- The donation ought to be of good quality, as people are not being asked to part with a lot of things, or even to fill a bag which they might associate with a bin bag.
- People are getting a taste for donation, seeing how easy it is to help others and clear out their wardrobes and shelves.
- As a lot of people are taking part, the charity receives a large number of donations.
How does it work?
- Hospice staff will come to the local business on two dates, which will have been advertised within the company in advance. Work will have been done to promote the idea to as many members of the companys’ staff as possible.
- Hospice representatives will stay at the business between the hours arranged and collect items that staff have brought in to donate.
- They will then take all items away to use in the shops.
- Photos will be taken of donors (with their permission) and charity representatives, for both the charity’s newsletter and the company’s, if not local press.
If your business is interested in taking part in Don't dump it - Donate it, please contact Zoe Guest on 01229 580305 or email events@stmaryshospice.org.uk