Hospice Shops asks donors not to leave bags outside closed shops

Hospice Shops Isle of Man is asking people to drop off donations only while its shops are open. It warns that bags left on doorsteps after closing create safety risks and cost the charity money, Isle of Man Today reported.

The charity’s shops sell donated and second-hand goods, and the proceeds go towards the work of Hospice Isle of Man.

In its appeal, the organisation thanked the public for their generosity. It said goods left outside closed premises could be treated as fly-tipping. Bags piled at the door can also block entrances and emergency exits, the charity said, putting staff, volunteers and passers-by at risk.

Donations left outside can also be spoiled before anyone has the chance to sort them. According to the charity, rain, dirt and disturbance by people or animals can all leave items impossible to sell.

“It costs the charity money,” a spokesperson said. The spokesperson explained that the charity has to pay for the removal of anything too damaged, dirty or unsuitable to sell. That means money which could have gone on hospice care is spent on disposal instead.

The charity’s request to anyone who finds the doors shut is to take the items home and bring them back during opening hours.

Hospice Isle of Man offers specialist palliative and end-of-life care, as well as emotional and practical help for patients and their families. It does not charge for its services, and donations and fundraising from the community are an important source of support for its work.