Have a ‘Christmas clear-out’ for Melksham cats charity

MELKSHAM residents are invited to have a ‘Christmas clear-out’ in support of a local charity.

Cats Action Trust North & West Wiltshire finds new homes for abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens, with most of its money coming from the Melksham fundraising shop in the town centre on Bath Road.

The team are keen to receive pre-loved items which can be sold in aid of its vital work. The charity hopes to benefit from people tidying their wardrobes, book- shelves and toyboxes to cre- ate some extra space before the festive fun begins.

It also hopes to receive any unwanted Christmas presents after the big day.

The shop welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, hats, shoes, jewellery, accessories, books, toys, games, puzzles, Blu- Rays, CDs, DVDs and bric- a-brac.

Shop floor co-ordinator Sylvia Hardy said, “Some lucky households will struggle to find space for all of the new items received over Christmas, or they may find they have lots of older items from previous years.

“Instead of leaving them forgotten at the back of a cupboard or wardrobe, or buried at the bottom of a toybox, they can donate them to our shop to raise desperately-needed funds to continue our work.

“Our charity has no paid staff, which means donors can be assured that the maximum amount goes directly towards the rescue and rehoming of local cats and kittens.”

The Trust shop is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-3.30pm, although it will be closed on the Bank Holidays.

Guidance on donations is available at www.catsaction- trust.org.uk/shop – electrical items cannot be accepted, and please do not leave any items on the doorstep.

The Trust is also keen to hear from potential volunteers who can help with sorting and pricing the stock, steaming clothes, arranging displays and serving customers. Email catsactiontrust@gmail.com to arrange a chat.