‘Unwanted’ gifts appeal by Carrick shops

Barnardo’s NI High Street shops are appealing for unwanted gifts to be donated so they can be sold to raise vital funds for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

Laura Carson, Barnardo’s Carrickfergus Area Retail manager, said: “At some time we have all received a gift at Christmas that’s not suitable or we quite simply don’t want – and if you find yourself in that situation this year you can always find a good home for it by donating it to a Barnardo’s shop.

“The money raised from the sale of goods received by our shops goes directly towards helping disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland, so by donating your unwanted Christmas presents you will not only be recycling but also supporting Barnardo’s.

“Every year Barnardo’s NI works to turn around the lives of thousands of children and young people and our promise to you is that every penny raised locally is used locally.”

With an estimated 30% of the gifts given at the festive season being unwanted, the charity guarantees it can find a customer for those unwanted items. To help potential donors it has devised a list of the top most ‘unwanted’ presents received at its outlets:

1. Scarves – Shops received a record number of new scarves of all shapes and colours after Christmas last year that were then snapped up by shoppers looking for a post-Christmas bargain.

2. Toiletry gift sets - Always popular whatever the season.

3. Double ups – If you receive more than one copy of a favourite DVD/CD the extra copies can be donated to the shops. Current DVDs are always popular sellers.

4. Household items – vases, teasets, dressing table sets, etc.

5. Children’s toys.