Clear out your cupboards and help charity restock its shops

A CHARITY in Weston-super-Mare is appealing to people to empty their cupboards and help restock their shops.

Weston Hospicecare says over the summer the influx of visitors looking for bargains have meant stock at shops is low.

The charity is now teaming up with local businesses, colleges and local organisations for The Big Drop from September 19-26 where people drop off their unwanted goods.

A Big Drop event in May generated stock worth £4,500 for the charity shops and organisers are hoping to do the same this year.

The charity has teamed up with Weston College, The Campus in Locking Castle, Asda and Worlebury Golf Club as drop off sites.

There will also be a Big Drop site in Blagdon's village car park, at the hospice in Uphill and at each of its 16 charity shops.

Weston Hospicecare spokeswoman, Sarah Bostock, said: "The Big Drop is so important to the hospice as our shops provide a significant part of our fundraising.

"We're selling stock at a much faster rate than it's coming in Ð despite the fantastic support of our current donors Ð and if we don't have the stock to sell, we can't deliver enough funds to support hospice services.

"It's nearing the time when people will be bringing the jeans and woolly cardigans out again for the winter, or refreshing the decor at home to make it a bit warmer, so why not make room by donating the things you don't use anymore.

"It will make such a huge difference to the lives of so many local people.

Full details of the drop sites and other information can be found at www.the-big-drop.co.uk or call 01934 423960.Ê