Why Donating Duplicate or Unneeded Christmas Gifts to Charity Shops Matters

Once the wrapping paper has been cleared away and the decorations are slowly coming down, many households are left with something else to sort through: duplicate or unneeded Christmas gifts. 

Two identical scarves, a novelty gadget that won’t be used, or a well-meant present that simply isn’t your style can quietly end up shoved into a drawer “for later”.

The post-Christmas period is actually one of the best times to consider taking those unused gifts to a charity shop — and doing so can make a real difference.

Turning Kindness Into a Second Act

Most Christmas gifts are given with love and generosity, even if they miss the mark. Donating them allows that kindness to continue rather than fade away unused.

Charity shops rely heavily on good-quality donations, and brand-new or nearly new Christmas gifts are particularly valuable. Items such as books, scarves, candles, toys (new and boxed), kitchenware, and gift sets often sell quickly, helping charities raise vital funds for their work.

Your unused gift could directly support:

medical research

hospice care

homelessness services

animal welfare

mental health support

All without costing you a penny.

A Lifeline During a Difficult Time

January is a challenging month for many people. Household budgets are stretched, energy bills are high, and the festive cheer has worn thin. Charity shops often see an increase in customers looking for affordable essentials or small comforts.

By donating unwanted gifts:

you help stock shelves at a time of high demand

you enable others to buy quality items at low prices

you support local communities when they need it most

That unopened board game or cosy jumper could be a welcome find for someone else.

Reducing Waste After Christmas

Christmas is a season of abundance — and, unfortunately, waste. Perfectly good items are often thrown away simply because they’re unwanted.

Donating instead of binning:

keeps usable items out of landfill

reduces environmental impact

supports a more sustainable, circular economy

It’s one of the simplest ways to make Christmas a little greener without losing any of its magic.

Decluttering for a Fresh Start

The post-Christmas period often brings a desire for a reset. New year, clearer space, calmer home.

Letting go of unused gifts:

frees up cupboards and drawers

reduces clutter-related stress

helps you start the year feeling lighter and more organised

If an item hasn’t been used since Christmas Day, chances are it never will be.

What Can Be Donated?

Most charity shops welcome:

new or gently used clothing

books and DVDs

unopened toiletries and gift sets

household items in good condition

toys (new or like-new, with safety labels intact)

If in doubt, check with the shop first — many have guidelines online or on their shop windows.

A Thoughtful Way to Honour the Gift

Donating an unwanted present isn’t ungrateful — it’s thoughtful. It ensures the item is appreciated, useful, and valued, even if not by you.

In many ways, it’s a very Christmassy act:

generosity beyond yourself

kindness to strangers

care for the wider community

A Small Act With a Big Impact

Taking a bag of duplicate or unneeded Christmas gifts to a charity shop might feel like a small gesture, but collectively it makes a huge difference — to charities, to communities, and to the planet.

So as the festive season gently fades, consider letting your Christmas gifts live on. Someone else may be waiting to find exactly what you no longer need.

Francis House launches Christmas Appeal with Florence’s story

Francis House Children’s Hospice has launched a Christmas Appeal, Love and Life, with a moving new film showcasing the support offered to the families of seriously ill children.

The appeal features a family from Dukinfield and is narrated by Jen East, mum to 11-year-old Florence, who has a life-limiting condition and was not expected to live beyond the age of ten.

The film had its premiere at the charity’s Christmas Ball held at Mottram Hall which raised approximately £25,000 on the night.

The hospice aims to raise funds for its range of services that support the whole family not just the child who lives with a life-limiting condition. These include respite care, sibling support sessions, homecare, day care, and emotional support.

Francis House has served the families of Greater Manchester for 34 years. In that time, the hospice has supported over 1,500 families, surrounding children and their families with love, helping them live every moment in a warm and welcoming home from home, embracing happy and joyful moments.

For mum Jen, the hospice is a lifeline. Florence was referred to Francis House in 2017, when she was two years old and the whole family including Jen’s 14-year-old son Riccardo, have been coming to the hospice for respite care ever since.

As a toddler, Florence’s development paused and she was diagnosed with a life-limiting regressive condition called Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis. She can no longer walk, talk or sit up unaided and needs 24/7 care.

“Florence is a real character,” Jen told That's Christmas 365. “She’s got a cheeky smile and a great sense of humour, and she absolutely loves socialising and taking part in all of the activities at Francis House.

“When Florence was diagnosed, our whole world was turned upside down and we were told she wouldn’t live past the age of ten and told to go home and make memories. 

"Someone told me about Francis House and they invited the three of us to come for lunch - it immediately felt like it was a home from home. It was calm and full of love.

“Most people think of hospices for end of life but it’s like a second home for us. Francis House are there for Florence of course, but also for me as a mum and a person, caring for my daughter. They’re there for Riccardo too, a teenager and a brother who has to deal with everything that comes with having a sister who has a life-limiting condition.

“Riccardo absolutely loves it at Francis House. It can be hard for him as a brother because Florence needs so much attention. But they take as good a care of Riccardo as they do Florence. They take him to the cinema and he’s mixing with other siblings, so they get to talk, share and support each other.

“Florence gets to do so much when she’s at Francis House. She loves the play specialists and when she comes home after a few days, you can see in her face how much fun she’s had.

“Being a parent of a child with a life-limiting condition, means the support from people who know what we’re going through is really important. It’s a place that we can all go to for a break and a change of scene – it’s a special place which we couldn’t live without.”

Francis House costs £5.8 million a year to run, supporting more than 435 families with respite, end of life care and other services.

Rachael Taylor, chief executive of Francis House added: “Jen and Flo’s story is just one example of the many families who use our services all year round. Francis House offers much more than just respite care; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and most importantly, lives are lived to the fullest. As demand for our services continues to rise, we need the support of the local community to keep these vital services running. Any support you can give this Christmas is greatly appreciated.”

For more information to watch the film or to donate to the appeal, visit https://www.francishouse.org.uk/jen-flo-and-riccardo-story/

Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal launched just before Christmas

At the request of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, Cumbria Community Foundation is launching the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Appeal to address hardship caused by the devastating fire that destroyed many buildings on 8th December 2024. 

This appeal will help support the immediate and long-term recovery of people who were impacted by the fire.

The Appeal has been launched with a donation of £50,000 from Westmorland and Furness Council so that the first wave of awards can be made before Christmas.

The fire caused the death of one person and forced 20 people to find emergency and temporary accommodation.

Also, six businesses were destroyed with a further 78 businesses also affected. The fire caused significant internal and external damage to buildings. 

Market Street remains closed to both vehicles and pedestrians, with a cordon in place to ensure public safety. Demolition work on structurally unsafe buildings is currently underway.

The Appeal is focussed on individual hardship caused by the fire and will broadly support the following:

People who have lost their homes and possessions to the fire and who are displaced, and people who are suffering hardship due to business closures linked to the fire and the loss of income to their households.

Immediate hardship needs are being met through the distribution of grant awards by Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Cupboard. 

Grant awards will be made by a committee composed of representatives from the Community Foundation and the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership.

Angela Jones from Westmorland and Furness Council and Chair of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership said: “This fire caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress to those directly affected and also to the whole community. 

"The full impact of the fire is still emerging, but recovery is likely to take many months, if not years. The community response has been amazing, but many people and businesses have been significantly affected and will be affected for the long term. That is why it's vital we raise as much money as possible to help support the community with their recovery plans.

“We are also working alongside local MP, Lizzy Collinge to lobby Government for match funding and if we are successful that means for every pound donated the government would match the same amount.”

Councillor Paul Cassell, Chair of Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council and who is also a member of the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, added: “The primary aim of the fundraising is to support all families and individuals affected by the tragic fire that has devastated our beloved town. 

"We've witnessed so many unseen acts of support and help and give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have been kind enough to donate. Recovery is going to be a long process, please support this appeal if you can.”

Said Andy Beeforth, CEO with Cumbria Community Foundation: “It is tragic to see such devastation and loss of life in this beautiful market town. The team at the Community Foundation have significant experience of managing disaster appeals and we will bring all our fundraising and grant making skills to help the people of the town.

“We have set an initial target to raise £100,000. The people of Kirkby Lonsdale have responded magnificently to help neighbours and friends. They have provided practical and financial support including temporary accommodation, food, clothing, emotional help, the use of holiday homes and a number of GoFundMe pages have raised funds to help specific people and the wider community. We look forward to working with the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership to support people in their recovery from this horrific episode.”

The Foundation is working closely with the Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership.

The Foundation is also coordinating its efforts in relation to the Lunesdale Hall GoFundMe page which has now been closed.

The Appeal is being promoted and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council, Kirkby Lonsdale Community Recovery Partnership, as well as by local news media, regional and national newspaper groups.

Donations and funds are being sought from:

Individuals and businesses

Grant making trusts and local, regional and national charities

Community fundraising events

Existing and new government funding programmes

Support for businesses

Westmorland and Furness Council are coordinating efforts in support of local businesses including seeking government support for grant aid and suspension of business rates. Charitable appeals are unable to support businesses directly. The Appeal can support business owners and employees experiencing financial hardship as a result of the fire.

To donate to the Fund, please visit: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-appeal

To find out more about the fund, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/kirkby-lonsdale-fire-disaster-recovery-fund/

Phase one of the fund will provide immediate short-term relief of hardship. Depending on funds available, they hope to make further grant awards in early 2025. To register for support, please contact the Community Hub on 015242 36404.