Longfield Community Hospice is encouraging Gloucestershire residents to support their charity shops and buy pre-loved items in the run-up to Christmas.
The hospice, based in Minchinhampton, has 19 charity shops across the county selling a range of items including clothes, books, toys and bric-a-brac. In addition to a popular eBay store, the hospice will be opening a new warehouse near Stroud in January 2023, which will offer a well-stocked furniture showroom.
Laura Owen, Head of Retail, said: “People definitely want their money to stretch further this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, but they also want to do their bit for the environment, and shop more sustainably. Whether it’s picking up a Christmas jumper, a party dress for the festive season, or some stocking fillers for your kids, we’ve got it covered.
“Not only will you be saving money, you’ll be helping your local community hospice provide vital care for people across Gloucestershire this Christmas and beyond.”
Every year, the hospice aims to give care and support to more than 2,500 people across Gloucestershire. In addition to a Hospice at Home service, the Wellbeing Centre in Minchinhampton offers individual sessions, group activities and practical workshops to help people to live well, and not be defined by their condition.
Longfield’s Director of Operations, Ian Cherry, explained: “It costs over £4 million each year to provide our care – which is completely free of charge. Less than 15 per cent of that is covered by the NHS. Our charity shops, run by fantastic staff and volunteers, are a really valuable source of income for Longfield and something that we are truly proud of.”
All 19 charity shops will be open until 4pm on Christmas Eve.
For more information on where to find your closest Longfield shop, how to donate items or to browse the eBay store, visit longfield.org.uk/shops/
Find out more about your local hospice at www.longfield.org.uk.
Twitter: @longfieldcare
Facebook: @LongfieldHospice
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