Age UK shop in Sleaford urges residents to donate unwanted Christmas presents and help lonely older people in crisis this winter
The Age UK shop on Southgate in Sleaford is calling on people to keep the festive spirit of goodwill going by joining The Great Winter Bag Drop and donating any unwanted presents to help raise funds to support lonely older people.
Loneliness and social isolation are issues all year, but winter, and Christmas especially, can be particularly tough, says the charity.
With routine services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, colder weather, shorter days and changes in people’s health, new research from Age UK highlights the stark reality of just how lonely this time of year is for older people.
Age UK shops are reliant on generous donations from the public, which are sold on to be loved again, raising funds for the charity’s work. That’s why Age UK has launched an urgent stock appeal, The Great Winter Bag Drop, so that the charity’s shops can continue to raise much-needed funds to support lonely older people in crisis this winter.
Donating any unwanted gifts can help Age UK to continue to run its much-needed services for those who have no one else to turn to, such as its Telephone Friendship Service, The Silver Line Helpline and Advice Line. These services can be a lifeline to older people by providing friendship, support and advice to those who are vulnerable and struggling this winter.
You are asked to simply donate any unwanted presents, including clothing, toys, books, games and household items to the Age UK Sleaford shop. Each bag of donations typically raises around £15 — enough to fund a weekly telephone friendship call for a lonely older person.
Nicola Reed, manager at the Age UK shop in Sleaford said: “It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that will never be used, or that you don’t want. However, loneliness and social isolation are year-round problems for older people, and winter can be particularly tough. That’s why we’re asking local residents to donate them to the Age UK Sleaford Shop. Whether it’s a board game you already have, or a jumper that isn’t your style, every unwanted gift donated will make such a difference."
When donating, people can make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent for the charity by signing up to Gift Aid. Simply filling out a basic form when dropping off donations means Age UK will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 that is raised from donated goods.
People can also support the Age UK Sleaford shop by signing up as a volunteer. Just a few hours a week can help make a difference. To find out more about Age UK’s shops and how you can help, pop in and have a chat with the team or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/shop-volunteer/
Anyone who needs support, who is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age UK’s friendship services, can get in touch by calling the Age UK Advice free of charge, on 0800 1696565 (8am-7pm), or visit ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat day or night can call Age UK’s Silver Line Helpline, on 0800 4708090.