Charity shops will offer ‘gems’

CHARITY shops will be a treasure trove of gems when they open today, Oxfam has said, after people had lockdown clear-outs.

People were unable to donate their unwanted possessions to charity during the first weeks of restrictions, meaning many have bags of wardrobe cast-offs ready to drop off.

Oxfam, which will reopen around 10 stores this week and dozens more within a fortnight, said it would isolate donated items for 72 hours before sorting them to prevent contamination.

The charity will also have measures in place including restrictions on how many people are allowed in store, hand sanitiser, screen guards at tills and face masks and gloves for staff. Changing rooms will also be shut.

Fee Gilfeather, head of audience and strategic planning at Oxfam, said that despite the raft of safety measures it would be an “exciting shopping experience”. She said: “I think that people can expect to find some really great treasures to buy, because everybody’s had a lockdown clear-out, and I think that charity shops are going to be full of some really great gems.”

Volunteers are likely to be scarce, as many pensioners who usually help out are shielding. The Charity Retail Association explained: “We are anticipating that there will be a shortage of people to help out, as many existing volunteers will be unable to return straight away because of shielding, public transport issues, or just not wanting to leave their homes at this point.”

It has set up a new online initiative to match up volunteers with shops in need of help. Ms Gilfeather asked teenagers to fill the gap, and told The Telegraph: “We are calling for more volunteers. People can register their interest online. For many, volunteering is a chance to grow skills and confidence, which is a great opportunity for younger people.”