Go on, have a heart and donate to us

Jan 4 2009 Sunday Sun

WHETHER it’s an oversized jumper, two copies of your favourite CD or yet another pair of fluffy rabbit slippers, chances are that this Christmas most households will receive a few unwanted gifts.

But all needn’t be wasted, as the British Heart Foundation — BHF — is offering an alternative home for these unsuitable gifts, by asking people to kindly donate them to their local BHF shop.

In December, BHF shops often experience a drop in donations as people are busy preparing for the Christmas festivities. This year in particular, January is a crucial period for shops to receive much needed stock and donating your unwanted gifts to your local BHF shop will help provide a real boost. BHF shops would gratefully accept good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, videos, toys and bric-a-brac.

British shoppers spend a staggering £2.3bn on Christmas presents that are unsuitable or not wanted.

But, instead of feeling guilty for not using your presents and leaving them in a wardrobe gathering dust, turn them in to a lifesaver and donate them to your local BHF shop. We’d like to ask people to make their first New Year’s resolution a visit to their local BHF shop to donate unwanted items so that we can give them a new lease of life.

We can find a perfect new home for all gifts and at the same time raise vital money to help fight heart disease.

Donating your unwanted Christmas presents could not be easier . . . either drop them into your local BHF shop, or call 0844-412 5000 to discuss collection options — KEN BLAIR, chief executive, British Heart Foundation.