Charity shopping spreads festive cheer

With Christmas coming, there has never been a better time to donate goods, or give a little cash.

Either way, you can help spread a little Christmas cheer to those less fortunate.

Hospice Matamata store manager Kate Adams says people shouldn’t look past a charity store when it comes to Christmas shopping - or donating.

She says the hospice prides itseld on providing quality goods, and with a little imagination, they can become a very useful Christmas gift.

A mannequin has been decorated over a Christmas tree to spread a little festive cheer and also remind people of why the store is here.

‘‘With the mannequin, people will remember the human form and that’s why we are here, to help people in need,’’ she said.

‘‘People come in because people have said it’s the place to go. It’s like a department store, the way it’s set up.’’

The charity store has received some top quality furniture, antique cabinets of Chinese and Japanese descent and toys still in their original packaging.

‘‘People are coming in and seeing the quality, and they think I have that at home and I don’t use it, so they donate it to Hospice.

‘‘We are very grateful to the people of Matamata,’’ says Adams. ‘‘Without their contributions, we wouldn’t exist. We are all here as volunteers and our aim is to help those in dire need because they can’t help themselves.

‘‘If people can’t afford to buy their children something, they could get these toys and the kids would love it. We get jigsaw puzzles and books that are brand spanking new.

‘‘They are in good condition, and if they are not, we send them on. Someone can clean them up and donate them somewhere else.

‘‘People can come in and if they really look and use their imagination, they can buy things for Christmas. You could go to the $2 and get a little box for it.’’

Adams says she would like people to be aware that the money Hospice makes doesn’t just benefit adults, but is passed on through all generations.

‘‘There are children in that hospital as well. The more donations we get, the more money comes into the shop to make Christmas a lot better than it would be.

‘‘It’s all about giving and then passing it on.’’