Christmas clearance gives a boost to Barnardo’s

A Melksham charity shop is encouraging people to browse for a bargain after it received hundreds of extra donations over the festive period.

The Barnardo’s store on Verbena Court has enjoyed some of its busiest weeks of the year. The team received more than 1,100 bags of donations from Christmas until the end of January, including many new items such as clothes, books, toys and games.

The charity is now inviting residents to visit the store and take advantage of a range of special offers, raising money to support its vital work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

Barnardo’s manager Helen West said, “We’re sincerely grateful to everyone who donated items over the Christmas period.

“It’s one of our busiest times of the year, when people either want to make space for new presents or give away gifts which were unsuitable.

“So we have lots of brand new items including clothes which have never been worn and books which have never been read.

“In fact, we’ve received so many items that we’re currently offering ‘three for two’ on donated DVDs and CDs, with the cheapest item free. We also have a new range of refurbished DVDs and CDs available at just £1.99 each, or three for £4.99.

“Aside from the items donated by the local community, we also have a wide range of gifts from retail partners including new men’s leather shoes, slippers, umbrellas, handbags, scarves, gloves and socks, as well as new assorted cosmetic lines.

“It’s the best time of year to visit us in search of a bargain!”

 The Barnardo’s store, behind the Water Meadow restaurant, is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm.

The team always welcome donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, CDs, DVDs, bric-a-brac and accessories, as well as offers of help from potential volunteers.

Call (01225) 436806.

 Above: Barnardo’s manager, Helen West, at the Melksham store.