A popular charity shop is on the lookout for more donations as it continues to flourish at its new base in Felixstowe.
The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store opened on the corner of Hamilton Road and York Road – the former NatWest bank building – in June.
The charity had been trading in smaller premises across the road since 2012.
Staff, volunteers and customers are loving the “bigger, better and brighter” new shop but one negative has been a noticeable drop in donations.
“It’s something we’ve certainly become aware of, since moving here,” said manager Haze Selby-Dee.
“It’s hard to pinpoint why that would be, unless it’s simply a case of people not knowing where we are now.
“Perhaps they see our old base and think we’ve stopped trading in Felixstowe.
“However, we’re very much still here and loving our new home. We’re busy and have welcomed some amazing new volunteers to the team.
“It’s just a case of making people aware and reiterating the message that we need donations more than ever. Not just in terms of quantity but quality, too.
“That’s the only negative at the moment and we’re having to rely on additional support from our Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
“It’s certainly not ideal but hopefully it’s just a case of making people aware. They can bring things into the shop, or, for now, park at the back and press the doorbell.”
Bethan Reid, a mum whose daughter receives care from EACH, officially opened the new shop on 20th June. Long-serving volunteer Sue Buckley and Retail Assistant Debbie Coggins, who started out as a volunteer, were on hand to hold the ribbon.
“We love it here and have had so many compliments,” added Haze.
“I enjoy watching people’s reactions when they come in for the first time. They’re wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
“It’s a fantastic, bigger, better and brighter community shop, with more space to sell our range of donated and new goods.
“We needed to move and our new home is absolutely perfect.”
Haze is always keen to hear from more people keen to volunteer in the shop.
Anyone interested can pop in for a chat, email Haze.Dee@each.org.uk or call 01394 279224.
