ALABARÉ Calling on Supporters to Think Sustainably with Unwanted Christmas Gifts
We're asking people who might have unwanted or excess Christmas presents this New Year to consider repurposing them to help vulnerable people.
ALABARÉ is asking people who might have unwanted Christmas gifts this New Year to consider repurposing them to help vulnerable people.
We have two retail stores in Amesbury and Wilton, with donations being welcomed to maintain stock levels and refresh the items available for shoppers.
Clothing, especially pieces for men, along with homewares, and fiction books are among the departments which saw big increases in sales demand in the run-up to Christmas.
We’re also seeing a rise in younger people coming into stores as that generation sees the benefits of going ‘vintage’, embracing the thrifting culture and looking to shop more sustainably.
Your unwanted items could be the next customer’s treasure, while also helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
Kirsty Scullion, Director of Fundraising for ALABARÉ, said:
“Our Emporiums in Amesbury and Wilton are constantly in need of good-quality items for sale, and we’d be pleased to take in donations of unwanted Christmas gifts that perhaps aren’t suitable or don’t fit your home’s aesthetic.
“The New Year’s a great time to start afresh, and by bringing items into our charity shops you could reduce waste while also doing your bit so ALABARÉ can provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds amongst those who really need our help.”
All the proceeds from our retail outlets go back into ALABARÉ services, supporting more than 3,200 individuals a year, through supported living accommodation, well-being programmes, employability skills and towards positive futures.
We provide support to the street homeless, young people, veterans, adults with learning disabilities, young parents and their babies, and those facing mental health challenges across the South West and Wales.
Donations direct to services
Some of the unwanted Christmas gifts might also be better suited to directly helping people within ALABARÉ’s homes.
Items like toiletries, underwear, socks or winter warmers like hats, gloves and scarves would make a real difference to our homelessness services.
With the colder months upon us, and ALABARÉ drop-in services at Salisbury’s Alabaré Place and Unity House in Chippenham seeing a rise in the number of rough sleepers attending, some key essentials would be gratefully received.
Where and when to donate
Amesbury Emporium in Earls Court Road takes in donations between 9.30 am and 1.00 pm Monday to Saturday, with two bags allowed per person.
The Wilton Emporium on Warminster Road takes donations on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 10.00 am and 3.30 pm.
ALABARÉ’s homelessness drop-in service at Salisbury can accept donations during its opening hours between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
The Comfort Zone drop-in service is open in Chippenham from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday and between 1.00 and 3.00 pm on Saturdays.
Naomi Webb, Director of Care and Support at ALABARÉ, said:
“A gift of socks or toiletries at Christmas might seem like a trivial or token present to many of us, but it could genuinely be something that makes a real difference to the health and dignity of a homeless person this winter.
“Ultimately, it shows them that the community cares about them and is thinking about their well-being and safety while the temperatures are dropping. We’d be grateful for any items that are donated, and we know they’d be welcomed and used by our clients.”
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