A charity store in Boscombe says it is struggling in the economic downturn. The British Heart Foundation store on Christchurch road says it has raised insufficient funds during a difficult economic year but hopes that sales will pick up around Christmas time.
The British Heart Foundation store on Christchurch Road has experienced a decline in sales during the recession but is preparing for what it hopes is a busy Christmas session.
Almost 80 per cent of the items in the store are second-hand, according to store manager Silvia Pettet. Donations to the British Heart Foundation are made by people who drop off their belongings directly to the store. The organisation also offers pick-up services every two weeks. “We have drivers who are willing to collect donations from people’s houses but lately our vans have been returning with few donations.”
However, the people at British Heart Foundation are hopeful that sales will pick up during Christmas season. “Christmas is a time for giving. It is also a time for shopping,” according to volunteer Brian Watson.
“We receive a lot of donations by people who have lost a loved one. They want to honour the departed during Christmas by giving money in their name,” said Mrs Pettet.
Every penny raised by the British Heart Foundation goes towards hospitals and medical research, said Mrs Pettet. “Even our volunteers who work full-time hours at the store are not paid.”
The British Heart Foundation is hoping to get more volunteers on board to manage sales during November and December.
The British Heart Foundation has over 600 outlets in the UK.
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