Gorta seeking unwanted gifts for its charity shops

GORTA-SELF Help Africa, whose Bandon shop was hit twice by floods this Christmas, is asking Irish people to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to its charity shops, this month.

‘Households across the length and breadth of the country are busy this week clearing up after the long holiday break,’ said retail manager Maggie Dwyer. 

‘Inevitably, there will be gifts received that people either don’t like or don’t have any use for. 

‘Our 12 charity shops rely on donations from the public. It is a challenge to keep merchandise fully stocked, and particularly so at this time of year.’

Donating festive gifts to charity is a great way to find a good home for that particular unwanted present, and at the same time contribute vital funds to support the charitable projects that Gorta-Self Help Africa is implementing to end hunger and poverty in rural Africa.  

‘Books, clothing, jewellery, DVDs/CDs, bric-a-brac and household goods are all gratefully received, and if they help householders to clear up after the Christmas festivities and do a bit of Spring cleaning into the bargain, then it is a win-win for everyone,’ Maggie Dwyer added.

The charity’s Bandon outlet at Bridge Street was affected by recent floods for a second time over the holiday period, although the impact on stock was minimal on this occasion, according to Maggie.

“We lost thousands of euro worth of goods as a result of flooding in early December, but when we reopened we took extra precautions, and made sure that goods were raised from the ground, and wouldn’t be lost in the event of a reccurence of flooding,” she explained.  

Items can be delivered to Gorta-Self Help Africa’s other West Cork charity shops in Macroom and Skibbereen. The shops are open for business this week.

For more, see www.selfhelpafrica.org