Charity celebrates 7,400 donation in shop’s first year

Fundraisers are celebrating the ‘amazing’ success of a Frome charity shop which has received thousands of bags of donations.

Barnardo’s opened a new store on Forest Parade Road, Stonebridge Drive, just before Christmas last year. Since then the charity has received more than 7,400 bags of clothes, books, toys, games and accessories.

Barnardo’s has also been supported by a group of hardworking volunteers who contributed more than 1,700 hours to help with sorting the stock and serving the customers. The team held a special celebration in December to mark the shop’s first birthday.

Emma Brooks, branch retail manager said, “We wanted to arrange a special thank you for everyone who has worked so hard during our first year.

“We have a fantastic team of 11 volunteers aged from 15-73 years old who offer so much of their own time each week. Each and every hour is sincerely appreciated.

“I was amazed when I realised the volume of donations received since opening. It’s a sign of people’s generosity and support.

“Aside from the usual gifts which can be found in most charity shops, we’ve also had expensive items ranging from an 18th century book on the history of southern and central Africa, to a snowboard which was in perfect condition.

“Thanks to the support of the local community, we are able to raise much-needed funds to continue the charity’s work to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”